News of a much needed clearout at Hearts has brought a wide smile to my face. The first player being shipped out of Tynecastle is veteran Neil McCann. The former Southampton midfielder looks like he will join up with John Hughes at Falkirk after it was announced that Hearts will not be renewing his contract. Hughes who has made it clear in recent days that he is looking to add experience to his ranks see’s McCann as a player who can take the Bairns to the next level.
McCann will join up with experienced new signings Lee Bullen, 38, and former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara, 34. They will all join up with former Hibies midfielder Russell Latapy, 39 who has agreed to play on for another season. This works out well for Hearts who will free up some money from McCann’s wages. McCann’s second spell on Tynecastle has been blighted by injury and even when he has managed to hobble onto the pitch he hasn’t been able to live up to the form that he achieved in his first spell. Obviously he was a much younger man during the 90s but a combination of age and bad luck with injuries has meant that his second coming has been much less memorable.
He will be followed out of the door by Czech striker, Roman Bednar who completed a successful loan spell with promoted West Bromwich Albion. The forward never made the impact that everyone believed he would after a cracking start to his Hearts career. Again a player who was struck down with injury and never looked the same. However he has shown with his spell with the Baggies that he can score goals by the hatful. He will now ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League, were how he will fare will be interesting to see. I wish him luck and hope he sets the Premier League alight. Hopefully this will lead to a recall to the national team for the big Czech and he can finally fulfil his potential as “the best young player” that George Burley has ever worked with.
He will be earning the club in the region of 2.5 million which should be added to the 9 million that we received for Scotland’s number 1 Craig Gordon. This now must be reinvested in the team if we are ever to challenge the Old Firm again.
I wish both players every success in the new chapters in their careers.
