Burnley have confirmed the departure of midfield player Steven Hewitt, who has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
The 22-year-old joined the Clarets as a youth team player back in 2008, five years after he was released by neighbours Blackburn Rovers for a perceived lack of speed. He progressed through to the first team squad at Turf Moor in the summer of 2011 and made his debut the following year, coming on as a substitute for Charlie Austin in a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, Hewitt has struggled to force his way into the Burnley side on a regular basis, making just one more league appearance for the Championship club. He has since been on loan in the Conference for at both Alfreton Town and Southport, making 15 and seven appearances respectively, and is now free to find a permanent club after his contract was mutually terminated.
“Naturally it’s a sad day for Stevie,” said Burnley boss Sean Dyche. “We just felt the challenge of getting into our first team was a step too far, but he has been a credit to himself and his family with his professionalism. He just wasn’t at our current standard, but we do believe he has a future ahead of him in pastures new, so we wish him all the best in his footballing career.”
