What exactly do you have to do to win a contract these days? Not very much if you happen to be a Hearts player. We are fast becoming a team who are intent on throwing money away.

The latest example of this is giving Mauricio Pinilla a new three year contract. No one is doubting the ability of the Chilean hit man; this of course is a man who has been a regular with the Chilean national squad and was on the books of current Italian champions Inter Milan. However he will actually have to make it onto the pitch to show the fans exactly what we have signed. He has shown in glimpses that he does have quality; he has a fantastic goal scoring ratio for the Jambos scoring twice in his 3 starts. His Hearts career has been riddled with injuries and controversy. He does seem to be one of those players who can only play in short bursts and then will be out injured for a couple, maybe not suitable for the hustle bustle of the SPL. Although I firmly believe that if he can stay fit then he will light up the Scottish game next season. He is far too good for Hearts and should go onto better things in the future.

Injuries haven’t been his only problem since his arrival on Tynecastle. He suffered with bouts of depression and homesickness and had to return to his homeland to play for Universidad De Chile. Hearts sent Mauricio back to Chile midway through last season were he caused much controversy. He was involved in an affair with the Chile and Chilean team captains’ wife. He was then involved in a fight with the captain on the training pitch were he subsequently broke his hand and returned to Hearts with the injury.

Hearts have continued to stick by their troubled striker as this new contract shows. We have given Mauricio a chance and for this he owes us at the very least 2 seasons of goals. Let’s hope we remember him for his goals that lead us back to the top of the league as opposed to a troubled player who is here to pick up a pay check.