fila Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 No extension, his time at the club in a playing capacity has ended. He has been a great servant for the club , and was treated poorly when he was put out on loan, it could have been handled differently by the management team. If he has the desire to keep playing , then I am sure he will get offers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haveyouheard1874 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Backroom staff maybe and why not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Sadly, we will have to move on. We're pretty frail defensively as it is, so Berra is only going to fall down the pecking order, and out of respect, if nothing else, it wouldn't be fair to keep him at the club. Not only that, but he's on a hefty wage too I assume. Makes sense for all parties to move on in summer. Anyone slagging him though can GTF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DS98 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 He’ll help us gain promotion then if he wants to keep playing he’ll need to take a step down. Everyone knows he’s not the player he used to be, no need for folk to be arseholes about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve123 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 (edited) 5 minutes ago, DS98 said: He’ll help us gain promotion then if he wants to keep playing he’ll need to take a step down. Everyone knows he’s not the player he used to be, no need for folk to be arseholes about it. personally think it was a reasonable question, same one that would have been asked of any out of contract player's Edited January 21, 2021 by steve123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Beni of Gorgie Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 I wouldn't be in a rush to retain any of our centre backs. Poor Soapy just hasn't had any luck with his heels, Berra is ready for retirement whether he admits it or not, Halkett has never commanded and Popescu is no better than a stand in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve123 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 12 minutes ago, Debut 4 said: You didn’t mate. There’s a lot of over-sensitive fans , over-protective of everything Hearts. CB is like any player there has ever been that there comes a time the body can’t cope at the highest level, no matter how hard in his own mind he thinks he can still hack it. He’s been a player I’ve loved having in maroon in both his spells. Great competitor, intelligent , brave defender. But I think it’s time for big decisions without sentiment. Something we took too long to do in recent times on other issues. We need strong leadership and strong decisions for the better of the team. cheers was a genuine question, did not expect some of the responses 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quockerwodgerjambo Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 6 minutes ago, Jamhammer said: Under no circumstances in my opinion. Been a fine servant but no room or finance for sentiment His experience is worth a one year deal, having him in the squad helping develop players. Encourage him to stay and pass on his leadership qualities. I agree that he can be offloaded, not so much a loyalty stroke though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 41 minutes ago, Robbo-Jambo said: David Haye stubbed his toe at Tynecastle. Yeah he was at the Festival concert 😆 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Section Q Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 1 hour ago, steve123 said: Interesting one here out of contract at the end of the season but been captain for a couple of games this season, do we offer a new contract or move on ? Jimmy Dunne wasn't in the Burnley squad tonight at Anfield, out of favour maybe or injured. Great young no. 5.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Just now, Section Q said: Jimmy Dunne wasn't in the Burnley squad tonight at Anfield, out of favour maybe or injured. Great young no. 5.... I think he will have better offers unfortunately but I think most of us would welcome his return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunny Munro Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 I like Berra, he's done well for for us, but he's also a massive part of the reason we are where we are. He isn't playing well now, in the championship. He isn't organising the defence well. He isn't reading the game well. It's sad but he's finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 39 minutes ago, quockerwodgerjambo said: His experience is worth a one year deal, having him in the squad helping develop players. Encourage him to stay and pass on his leadership qualities. I agree that he can be offloaded, not so much a loyalty stroke though. Taking up a wage we could use elsewhere. Clean break or coaching only. If he wants to continue playing then it should be elsewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quockerwodgerjambo Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 26 minutes ago, Jamhammer said: Taking up a wage we could use elsewhere. Clean break or coaching only. If he wants to continue playing then it should be elsewhere I would go with that pretty much how i was thinking, playing out his career with us and going into coaching. I would be surprised if he wasn't up to a decent standard with coaching badges already, good post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyCant Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 He’s never been mentioned in anything I’ve read re contract renewal etc, so I assume all parties have accepted that this season is his last with the club. I think that’s the correct decision that he goes whilst he is still held in fairly high regard. He’s been a really good player for us at times. Hasn’t quite ticked the ‘legend’ box for me and I didn’t like his public response when Stendel didn’t fancy him but certainly overall he’s earned respect and gratitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazzas right boot Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Great servant for us, and anyone slagging him or playing down his injury is is a crusty ring piece. However, he's not good enough to be one of our 3 first team centre half's next season. I'd have no problem if he resigned on reduced terms and was 4th or 5th choice, but I'd prefer a youngster to be filling these types of position if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beni Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 1 hour ago, quockerwodgerjambo said: His experience is worth a one year deal, having him in the squad helping develop players. Encourage him to stay and pass on his leadership qualities. I agree that he can be offloaded, not so much a loyalty stroke though. I think his chance of being offered a contract are zero, and last year when leadership was needed more than ever Berra didn't seem to offer much. Unlike some, Berra's effort has never been in question, but it's time to thank him for his service over 2 spells at the club and wish him well for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboinglasgow Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 He has been a great servant to the club but I think not renewing his contract is the right option. If he is good enough for the backroom staff then I would happily have him stay, though I do get the sense he is not ready to retire yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTT Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 We need better, but I’d still keep him provided the deal is right for the club. left sided centrehalves don’t grow on trees and Popescu hasn’t been an improvement. sign Stuart Findlay or another in the summer and let Berra be back up. Useful in a pinch and shouldn’t be difficult to deal with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooh-aah-cantona Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 He'll sign for Dunfermline to play alongside his mate Paul Watson and replace Euan Murray, who will likely sign for an SPFL side like Motherwell or St Johnstone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 On 07/01/2021 at 14:24, wavydavy said: I agrre with your summary and would add. Part of the problem for Berra is that he is playing alongside Halkett who was used to playing in a back three where he was the spare man at Livi. The other two were the real CB's. Guthrie is one of them and out of contract at the end of the season. WE could do worse than try and sign him. Well said, he looks much more comfortable in a three. His lack of pace and poor decision making is shown up in a flat back four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 I wonder if Neilson will want Berra to join the coaching team in the summer? I think Berra could play for another couple of years at this level and he would regret hanging up his boots early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 On 07/01/2021 at 13:35, A_A wehatethehibs said: For the new management coming in, What was the alternative, send him on loan somewhere with Hearts picking up 75% of his wages and getting nothing in return? Last year of his deal so, I say we’re taking the right approach. He can work hard, earn his wages and go out on his shield at the end of this season with a piece of minor silverware to at least have a good memory of the end of his time in maroon. If he gets a contract extension for next season that would be bad management. That would go beyond bad management actually. There would be absolute uproar in the fans. I refuse to believe it would even be considered, to be honest Neilson should be saying to him now, he’s free to talk to other clubs go and sign a pre contract somewhere if he wants to keep playing. That way the fans will settle knowing for sure that he is not in any way part of the plans, just a stop gap to get us out the championship. We had other pressing areas to be fixed before Neilson realised he needed someone like Popescu with Souttar and Berra injured, Hamilton not up to it leaving him Halkett who isn’t great either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 56 minutes ago, jamboinglasgow said: He has been a great servant to the club but I think not renewing his contract is the right option. If he is good enough for the backroom staff then I would happily have him stay, though I do get the sense he is not ready to retire yet. He’s definitely got a few years left at this level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quockerwodgerjambo Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, fancy a brew said: I think his chance of being offered a contract are zero, and last year when leadership was needed more than ever Berra didn't seem to offer much. Unlike some, Berra's effort has never been in question, but it's time to thank him for his service over 2 spells at the club and wish him well for the future. Interesting, Maybe Berra didn't see himself as a captain in the first place, That is down to others. I agree in the most part, as i said it will be a difficult decision either way. Edited January 22, 2021 by quockerwodgerjambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
best in the land Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Time up at hearts for Berra for me, him and popescu need to go and be replaced by 2 more. Needs to be priority in summer. If we could get one in now that would be better but can't see it. Also have doubts about souttar tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby8 Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 5 hours ago, Rudy T said: He's a really decent guy and he loves the club, He'll be part of the team that gets us back up then it's over. He knows it himself. Its unlikely as this is JKB but can we keep this thread respectful. He's been a good servant to the club and despite the recent mistakes he still gives his all for Hearts. Well said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holyrood_Hearts Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 He shouldn’t get a new player contract. I’d have no problem if he was kept on in a coaching capacity if that’s something he’s looking to do & we have a role for him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Hoyle Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 9 hours ago, Absolute Scenes said: At least Roberts can change direction Can he yeah. He is never near enough to the ball to say I’ve noticed to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_A wehatethehibs Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Out on his shield at the end of this season for me. Not the medal he’d hoped for but at least rolled the sleeves up and helped get the job done in his last season. I just don’t think he can take us where we need to go. But I definitely have that sinking feeling that the management team will give him one more year. In fairness is not easy to find a guy with 40 odd caps and hundreds of games at the highest levels of British football. But IMO this decision shouldn’t be about CVs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Harriott Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 7 hours ago, Pasquale for King said: I wonder if Neilson will want Berra to join the coaching team in the summer? I think Berra could play for another couple of years at this level and he would regret hanging up his boots early. I wouldnt particularly say hes up to playing this level now never mind a couple more years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavK1012 Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Just now, Ainsley Harriott said: I wouldnt particularly say hes up to playing this level now never mind a couple more years. Correct. Mr Magoo can see that. We are woefully short in this position unfortunately. Berra can still header and hassle but simply is an absolute cart horse when it comes to needing any mobility & awareness. Very sad to see and he needs to make that decision himself tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazzas right boot Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 8 hours ago, OTT said: We need better, but I’d still keep him provided the deal is right for the club. left sided centrehalves don’t grow on trees and Popescu hasn’t been an improvement. sign Stuart Findlay or another in the summer and let Berra be back up. Useful in a pinch and shouldn’t be difficult to deal with. I'm here, we'll need 3 first choice centre halves and 1 or 2 that are happy to fill in should there be a crisis. We are short on young centre halves so if the deal is OK then Berra could fill that role, probably more sensible if he's looking at coaching as well, it could be his transition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pettigrewsstylist Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 (edited) Our CBs have been a problem for a while now. We need 2 new CB before going anywhere near the bottom 6 of the Premeirship, IMO. Being decent but injury prone is unfortunate, but wont satisfy our ambition. Edited January 22, 2021 by pettigrewsstylist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_A wehatethehibs Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 16 minutes ago, Smith's right boot said: I'm here, we'll need 3 first choice centre halves and 1 or 2 that are happy to fill in should there be a crisis. We are short on young centre halves so if the deal is OK then Berra could fill that role, probably more sensible if he's looking at coaching as well, it could be his transition. For me if he wants to keep playing, Dunfermline is the best shout. Would be good to see them back in the Premier and I think Christophe would prove very handy in a relegation scrap. Certainly feel he would have been handy in our own scrap, Stendel had bit off more than he could chew when he was left with Dikamona-Halkett as the only option. There was no way we were staying up with that at Center half. For Hearts, going forward, just feel Berra is not what we need. I really can’t see it justified, but as I’ve said I think the management team will give him another year. Really hope they don’t end up regretting it. For me the new Premiership Center half pairing is the make or break decision for Neilson. He has to get it right it’s got to be the highest priority. My feeling is we really need freshness there the fans have seen enough of Halkett Souttar, Berra we need a good signing who will make a big impact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DS98 Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 11 hours ago, steve123 said: personally think it was a reasonable question, same one that would have been asked of any out of contract player's Of course it’s a reasonable question. Some of the reply’s have been typically dickhead-ish though. Usual culprits to be fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinRummy Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 We need better for the top league. Having witnessed some of the defending in The Championship he would have no bother getting a club if that's what he wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex member of the SaS Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Said before Berra deserves our respect and gratitude, however, he must know himself after being punted on loan he is no longer capable of playing top flight. He can move on with our best wishes, but unless he goes into a training position, he should not be given another contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr ewing Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Never had a serious injury so may well decide to call it a day. After what's happened to Brandon I guess he'll do a bit of coaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Ainsley Harriott said: I wouldnt particularly say hes up to playing this level now never mind a couple more years. Fair point. I think he would be ok for a team with lower expectations that defend on their 18 yard line or in a three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wavydavy Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 9 hours ago, Pasquale for King said: Well said, he looks much more comfortable in a three. His lack of pace and poor decision making is shown up in a flat back four. I remember seeing him play for Livi at Tynecastle against us and he was probably their man of the match and made loads of runs forward and was able to do this because he had two other CB's there. This is where Managers should be earning their corn by seeing the best position for their players and playing them there rather than saying this is where I want you to play even although you are not that great there. I really think Robbie should be looking to sign at least one decent CB asap and get them bedded in before next season. I can't see Berra and Halkett cutting it next season assuming we are promoted. Popescu might improve but he looks another prone to making mistakes. I know we are expecting Souttar to be fit for next season but how long is he going to stay fit for this time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 8 minutes ago, wavydavy said: I remember seeing him play for Livi at Tynecastle against us and he was probably their man of the match and made loads of runs forward and was able to do this because he had two other CB's there. This is where Managers should be earning their corn by seeing the best position for their players and playing them there rather than saying this is where I want you to play even although you are not that great there. I really think Robbie should be looking to sign at least one decent CB asap and get them bedded in before next season. I can't see Berra and Halkett cutting it next season assuming we are promoted. Popescu might improve but he looks another prone to making mistakes. I know we are expecting Souttar to be fit for next season but how long is he going to stay fit for this time? He should never have been signed to play in a back four. We can’t rely on Souttar it’s as simple as that. Popescu was described by fans as the worst player his old club had ever seen, in a league comparable in quality if not less so than the one we are going into. We need two new CHs with Halkett/Popescu and Souttar as back ups, if we can’t get rid of the first two that is. Berra should be allowed to leave to keep playing at this level or lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wavydavy Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Just now, Pasquale for King said: He should never have been signed to play in a back four. We can’t rely on Souttar it’s as simple as that. Popescu was described by fans as the worst player his old club had ever seen, in a league comparable in quality if not less so than the one we are going into. We need two new CHs with Halkett/Popescu and Souttar as back ups, if we can’t get rid of the first two that is. Berra should be allowed to leave to keep playing at this level or lower. I am not sure if we have any young guys that are progressing enough to be considered to break into the first team reckoning. The likes of FottballFirst will probably know but I am not aware of anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 3 minutes ago, wavydavy said: I am not sure if we have any young guys that are progressing enough to be considered to break into the first team reckoning. The likes of FottballFirst will probably know but I am not aware of anyone. We don’t have anyone at the level required, they’re not playing much this season either so it’s hard for them to progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nucky Thompson Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 10 hours ago, Pasquale for King said: He’s definitely got a few years left at this level. I think he's playing above his level and should have been put out to pasture last year. No room for sentiment nowadays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamboAl Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Whether or not Berra stays is IMO a 2 way street. He will realise that he is unlikely to be a permanent 1st team fixture next season and may choose to further his career elsewhere. If he would like to stay that could be dependent on several factors the first of which is likely to be Soapy. If the latter is likely to be fit for August and we sign at least one CD then I think it would be wise for CB and the club to part ways (unless he is kept on in some sort of coaching role). If however Soapy is unlikely to be fully fit until say Christmas, it might be cost effective to give CB an extension as experienced cover. He is still our best defender when it comes to aerial challenges and possibly a better option than Popescue, certainly no worse. His performances of late have nor been up to his previous standards and people auromatically assume it's because he is over the hill when it could simply be a temporary loss of form/confidence: the coaching staff will know. I could name a few others who have been terrible and are a lot younger than Berra. To sum up I don't think we need to be making decisions right now but fully recognise that around May time we need to assess where we're at but meantime would look to get in a loanee to ensure we get over the promotion line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_A wehatethehibs Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Cannot get back in the team after that last night. He should have watched how comfortable Popescu was, and be considering his retirement. Christophe has nothing to prove, absolutely terrific career. Played for Scotland at Wembley, and Hampden. But when you’re at a stage when the likes of Popescu looks considerably better than you, it is time to hang up the boots. At least at Hearts anyway, I’m sure he could keep playing a few years for a smaller club if he fancies it. Halkett-Popescu is first choice now unquestionably. If Neilson plays Berra again the fans will see right through it - it would just be because they’re mates. The best interests of our football team is now for Christophe to be on the bench if fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazo Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Halkett and Popescu looked far more comfortable with each other swapping sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo in Bathgate Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 1 minute ago, Dazo said: Halkett and Popescu looked far more comfortable with each other swapping sides. Thought they had there best games last night. Marshalled Duku well when Raith did attack. Both good on the ball. Certainly helped swapping positions. Have to keep that pairing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Harriott Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Don't think its coincidental that Berra is out injured and it's our first clean sheet in a long time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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