Out of contract Linfield stars sign deals with Crusaders and Livingston

Both men are ready for new challenges after leaving Linfield at the end of the season.

Clarke made 411 appearances for the Blues in his 11 years at the club.

The 30-year-old's trophy haul included five Irish Premiership League titles, two Irish Cups, three League Cups, a Charity Shield, two County Antrim Shields and he also made over 40 appearances in Europe for the club.

Former Glentoran ace Stewart joins the Crues in a three-year-deal after seven years’ service at Linfield and becomes new manager Declan Caddell’s first signing.

The 29-year-old won four league titles, an Irish Cup and three League Cups while making 195 appearances for Linfield.

Caddell said: "I’m absolutely delighted we have managed to bring a high calibre player like Jordan to the club. He’s a player that I have always admired and with a fresh start I’m sure we will see the best of him in red and black.

“Jordan is a class act, and one of the few players in the league that’s able to turn a game on its head with a moment of magic. He will have supporters at the edge of their seats at Seaview and I’m sure he will light the place up for all Hatchetmen."

Stewart, who had a loan spell with Glenavon, says he’s hoping to hit the ground running at his new home.

"When the call came about I was obviously over the moon and not only did I speak with Declan and Bernard (Thompson,General Manager), I also spoke to Stephen Baxter and former players and they done nothing but sing Crusaders’ praises.

“I am going part time now after being in a full time environment and that was a factor as well. I am probably coming near the end of peak playing time and I am trying to get my head down as well and get a career behind so all those factors played a part and I am just over the moon and hearing great things about the club. I know a lot of players at Seaview so I can't wait to get through the door and get started.

"Declan is coming in so it is not only a fresh start for myself but for the club. They are taking a whole new dynamic as obviously Stephen Baxter had been manager for 19 years and there is probably going to be a lot of change at the club so it's always good to get into an environment where change is happening and hopefully I, along with everyone else, we can make a go at things and get a positive spin on it and get a good run of results and see where it takes us.”

Livingston confirmed the pre-contract signing of former Rangers youngster Clarke in a two-year deal from Linfield on Tuesday.

The club stated: “Matthew joins on a 2-year-deal and will meet his new team-mates when returning for pre-season in mid-June. Welcome to West Lothian, Matthew!”

David Martindale's side will target an immediate return to the top flight after the end of their six-year stay in the Scottish Premiership.

Under Martindale, who took over in 2020, they finished seventh, 13th and seventh before this season.

Livi have collected just 21 points from 35 matches during the current campaign.

Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan, who has been on loan at Larne, has been released by Arbroath who have just suffered relegation to Scottish League 1.

A heart issue sidelined the 32-year-old for an extended period with his football career taking him to part-time Arbroath.

The Glasgow man has lived with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Type 1 diabetes.

He told the Belfast Telegraph earlier this year that his health battles have affected his game.

“When I look back at what happened it was a real effort to get back playing and I wouldn’t say I have been the same player,” he said. “When I was diagnosed I had just had my best season at Hibs and then I was out for six to eight months. I never quite felt the same after that, to be honest.”

He only played in eight games across all competitions for Larne but signed off on a high by netting in the final day victory over Coleraine as the club secured back-to-back league wins.

It was Allan's first taste of league success since he won the Scottish Premiership with Ronny Deila’s Celtic during the 2015/16 season.