Kelty Hearts are delighted to announce that Craig Johnston has extended his contract with the club.  Johnston has signed a two-year extension, which will see him stay at New Central Park until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Johnston signed for the Maroon Machine in 2023 from Montrose, after spending six seasons at the Angus club.  Being a local from Kelty, the move made sense for Johnston and the club as a player with experience at this level.

A popular fan favourite, ‘CJ’ scored his first league goal in Maroon in a 1-1 draw against Annan.  Johnston scored 11 goals that season including a three game run where he netted consecutively in wins against Edinburgh City and Queen of the South.

This season, Johnston has scored one and assisted five in the league as he has been a facilitator of chances for other forwards.  CJ’s high energy and pressing has been appreciated by the New Central Park faithful this campaign.  

Beginning his youth career at Dunfermline Athletic, Johnston made his professional debut for Cowdenbeath in the 2013/14 season.  Johnston had a loan spell at the Spartans and at Kelty Hearts in 2013 before breaking into the Cowdenbeath team.

Everyone at Kelty Hearts is delighted to see Craig Johnston commit his future to the club and are excited to see him in Maroon for seasons to come.  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)