EDINBURGH, Dec 10 (SW) – Scottish international and Hearts captain Steven Pressley has left the club.

He cited the reason being the unrest with in the club’s change room under majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

He was initially omitted from the squad when he claimed to have uncovered a plot to have him dropped as captain.

He was then named as a substitute for their match against Rangers without managing to find a way onto the pitch for that match. After the match, which Hearts lost 0 – 1, supporters protested against Romanov.

He started against Inverness Caledonian Thistle two weeks ago.

He was once again omitted, this time for last week’s match against St. Mirren.

He said that after eight years at the club he was disappointed, but has had a wonderful time and was saddened to leave.

Pressley thanked the club and their fantastic supporters for all the support that they had given him.