Stewart's Rise from University Football to West Bromwich Albion
The journey from amateur university sports to the professional leagues is a rare feat in modern football, yet Stewart has navigated this path with remarkable speed. Combining academic ambition with raw athletic talent, his ascent through the Scottish football pyramid has culminated in a high-profile move to the English Championship.
Early Career and Academic Foundations
Stewart's early years were defined by versatility. While he spent his teenage years as a trainee with Queens Park Rangers and played for various school and local clubs in West London, he was not limited to football. He competed in rugby union with the Ealing Trailfinders youth teams and played tennis and Gaelic football at a high level.
A chance encounter shaped his future. While considering higher education options in Scotland, Stewart filled in for the Heriot-Watt University team during a bounce match against Penicuik Athletic—a game arranged after official fixtures were cancelled due to severe weather. His performance impressed the university staff, leading to an offer to join their Football Scholarship Programme. This program provided access to the Oriam training centre and a pathway into the senior Scottish football pyramid.
Stewart enrolled in a Sport and Exercise Science degree in 2022. On the pitch, he helped Heriot-Watt achieve promotion from the EoSFL Second Division (the eighth tier of Scottish football) to the First Division. During the 2023–24 season, his physical stature and pace, combined with a prolific scoring record of over 40 goals across the EoSFL and BUCS Football League, attracted professional attention.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Professional Breakthrough at Falkirk
In October 2024, Stewart signed with Falkirk. The agreement was unique, prioritizing the completion of his degree, which resulted in an initial loan back to Heriot-Watt until the end of the year. He officially debuted for Falkirk on 11 January 2025 against Queen's Park.
Under the management of John McGlynn, Stewart made 16 appearances in the Scottish Championship, scoring twice. His contributions helped the club secure the league title and earn promotion to the Scottish Premiership. However, his momentum was briefly interrupted in July 2025 by a broken metatarsal (a bone in the forefoot).
The Dunfermline Loan and Premiership Success
Following a two-month recovery, Stewart was loaned to Championship side Dunfermline Athletic to fill a void left by the injured striker Zak Rudden. Despite initial friction from supporters due to the rivalry between Falkirk and Dunfermline, Stewart quickly won over the fans by scoring a goal every 90 minutes, including two goals in Fife derby wins over Raith Rovers.
Recalled by Falkirk at the end of 2025, Stewart made his Premiership debut against Aberdeen on 3 January 2026. He solidified his reputation shortly after by scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Hibernian. In recognition of his form, he signed a contract extension on 26 January, securing his place at the club until 2028 with an option for an additional year.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Move to West Bromwich Albion
Stewart's rapid progression in Scotland did not go unnoticed in England. On 17 June 2026, he completed a transfer to EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion. The move involved a reported transfer fee of £1,300,000 and a four-year contract, marking his transition to one of the most competitive leagues in English football.
Key Facts
- Academic Background: Degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Heriot-Watt University.
- Early Prolificacy: Scored over 40 goals in the 2023–24 season for Heriot-Watt.
- Career Milestone: Won the Scottish Championship title with Falkirk.
- Notable Performance: Scored a hat-trick against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
- Transfer Value: Joined West Bromwich Albion for a reported £1,300,000.
| Period | Club/Institution | Level/League | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2024 | Heriot-Watt University | EoSFL / BUCS | Promotion to EoSFL First Division |
| 2024–2026 | Falkirk | Scottish Championship/Premiership | League Title & Premiership Hat-trick |
| 2025 (Loan) | Dunfermline Athletic | Scottish Championship | Goal every 90 minutes |
| 2026–Present | West Bromwich Albion | EFL Championship | £1.3m Transfer |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Stewart get noticed by professional clubs?
Stewart attracted professional interest during the 2023–24 season while playing for Heriot-Watt University, where he scored over 40 goals and demonstrated impressive pace and physical presence.
Did Stewart prioritize his education over football?
Yes. When he first signed for Falkirk in October 2024, it was understood by all parties that completing his degree in Sport and Exercise Science would be prioritized, leading to an initial loan back to his university.
What was the controversy surrounding his loan to Dunfermline Athletic?
The loan caused discontent among some supporters because of the existing rivalry between his parent club, Falkirk, and Dunfermline Athletic.
What was Stewart's most notable performance in the Scottish Premiership?
His most standout performance was scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory against Hibernian in January 2026.
What are the details of his transfer to West Bromwich Albion?
Stewart signed a four-year contract with West Bromwich Albion on 17 June 2026 for a reported fee of £1,300,000.