*** Hearts Summer Transfer Thread*** Offiah signs on loan

[joondalupjambo]

34 minutes ago, ScottieMac17 said:

After playing in the Premiership, championship... surely he fancies some European group stage football...?

Yep you would think so as that will both be an attraction in footballing terms but also as a way of increasing any base income he has agreed in a contract, i.e. bonuses.  I think he is smart enough to know that coming back home is not just about money but more of a wider opportunity.  Euro footie is a plus for him as it is another step back into the Scotland squad.

[Batistuta87]

27 minutes ago, stevie1874 said:

He might no be good enough as you say, but we offered him another year’s extension at end of last season. He had already been on loan but other than a couple of 20 minute periods on the pitch he’s been sat on the bench for most parts and very little appearances for the B team. Was just thinking him & Henderson were only given deals to make up the numbers for Europe ( home grown players). Was just stating the time is right for him to fly the nest for good. A move back to Queen’s Park maybe? 

Think he had his chance - don't you? He's been in training every day, has had a couple of chances on the pitch, and hasn't done well enough I'd say? Him getting another year as a sort of last chance to make it at Hearts probably suited both sides quite nicely. We get a home grown player (two counting Henderson) without eating into the budget, who could somewhat compete if they ever had to play; and they get to come along for the ride, to experience playing in Europe, to attend a world class training camp in Spain (twice), to train full time at a world class facility, and getting paid the whole time lol. Every wee boy's dream really! They've lived it to an extent so fair play to them and best of luck going forward. 

 

I'm sure both of them will manage to get themselves a club in the Championship. Henderson has done well there before with Alloa and Smith seems to have started strong with Hamilton. Hopefully they both do well over the remainder of the season and that it works out for them. If they do really well they might even be able to squeeze themselves into one of the bottom Premiership sides and stay full time. 

 

[hmfc_liam06]

1 hour ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

I would expect it means the club is thriving, still be good to have a couple who could compete for a place, but harder every year for them on the current curve

It’s up to them to prove they’re as good as, if not better than what we currently have.

[stevie1874]

2 hours ago, Batistuta87 said:

Think he had his chance - don't you? He's been in training every day, has had a couple of chances on the pitch, and hasn't done well enough I'd say? Him getting another year as a sort of last chance to make it at Hearts probably suited both sides quite nicely. We get a home grown player (two counting Henderson) without eating into the budget, who could somewhat compete if they ever had to play; and they get to come along for the ride, to experience playing in Europe, to attend a world class training camp in Spain (twice), to train full time at a world class facility, and getting paid the whole time lol. Every wee boy's dream really! They've lived it to an extent so fair play to them and best of luck going forward. 

 

I'm sure both of them will manage to get themselves a club in the Championship. Henderson has done well there before with Alloa and Smith seems to have started strong with Hamilton. Hopefully they both do well over the remainder of the season and that it works out for them. If they do really well they might even be able to squeeze themselves into one of the bottom Premiership sides and stay full time. 

 

Don’t think he’s had much of a chance at first team level, but can’t see many youngsters getting a chance in the first team for the foreseeable. Not a great selling point for trying to recruit young talent to come to the club but the position the club is in now young players would have to be special talents to get in the side. It would also be hard to keep young players and give them time on the pitch going forward  due to the strength of our first team squad. Fingers crossed Pollock can get more game time than Smith. 

[davemclaren]

18 minutes ago, stevie1874 said:

Don’t think he’s had much of a chance at first team level, but can’t see many youngsters getting a chance in the first team for the foreseeable. Not a great selling point for trying to recruit young talent to come to the club but the position the club is in now young players would have to be special talents to get in the side. It would also be hard to keep young players and give them time on the pitch going forward  due to the strength of our first team squad. Fingers crossed Pollock can get more game time than Smith. 

The better a first team squad gets the harder it is for youngsters to break into it. It's the way its always been. 

[BackOfTheNet]

Paterson gets a 7/10 rating playing at RWB for the first time in years (when he scored mind you) and folk are thinking that proves something? If so, what?

[DC_92]

1 minute ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Paterson gets a 7/10 rating playing at RWB for the first time in years (when he scored mind you) and folk are thinking that proves something? If so, what?

 

It isn't the first time he's played there in years.

[Wee Mikey]

9 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Paterson gets a 7/10 rating playing at RWB for the first time in years (when he scored mind you) and folk are thinking that proves something? If so, what?

 

That you might add another few chapters to your Paterson thesis over the coming months?

[BackOfTheNet]

15 minutes ago, DC_92 said:

 

It isn't the first time he's played there in years.

Plays there all the time does he?

 

8 minutes ago, Wee Mikey said:

 

That you might add another few chapters to your Paterson thesis over the coming months?

Yes, because it’s me that’s been banging on about Paterson endlessly. Not anyone else. Anything I’ve had to say about Paterson was in response to others. And by the by, a few paragraphs a thesis it does not make.

[Wee Mikey]

4 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Plays there all the time does he?

 

Yes, because it’s me that’s been banging on about Paterson endlessly. Not anyone else. Anything I’ve had to say about Paterson was in response to others. And by the by, a few paragraphs a thesis it does not make.

 

Jeez! Mr humourless, or what?

[BackOfTheNet]

2 minutes ago, Wee Mikey said:

 

Jeez! Mr humourless, or what?

That’s what JKB does to you I suppose

[Kirky Jambo]

Worth keeping an eye on Steven Kelly at Livi. Really coming on to a game and would add to our midfield options.

[stevie1874]

1 hour ago, davemclaren said:

The better a first team squad gets the harder it is for youngsters to break into it. It's the way its always been. 

I agree. Raises the question been discussed on here before if the academy is worth it. 

[i wish jj was my dad]

1 hour ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Paterson gets a 7/10 rating playing at RWB for the first time in years (when he scored mind you) and folk are thinking that proves something? If so, what?

That he's versatile enough to slot into a position he hasn't played since 1979 for the team at the top of the English Third Division and cruised it. 

What am I missing? 

[BackOfTheNet]

4 minutes ago, i wish jj was my dad said:

That he's versatile enough to slot into a position he hasn't played since 1979 for the team at the top of the English Third Division and cruised it. 

What am I missing? 

Nothing I guess. But if Paterson is coming in then I guess Forrest will be raging since his position is so under threat. Since he’s a proper RWB now given the games he’s played there recently.

[i wish jj was my dad]

3 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Nothing I guess. But if Paterson is coming in then I guess Forrest will be raging since his position is so under threat. Since he’s a proper RWB now given the games he’s played there recently.

Forrest is a winger. Who said he was a RWB and why would he be raging?  He will be happy to get a game in a squad like ours I would have thought. 

[BackOfTheNet]

3 minutes ago, i wish jj was my dad said:

Forrest is a winger. Who said he was a RWB and why would he be raging?  He will be happy to get a game in a squad like ours I would have thought. 

Suppose Paterson playing RWB between now and the end of the season can only benefit us when he signs in the summer. (If he doesn’t extend with Wednesday that is) After all, they can get his body used to playing there again so he doesn’t cramp up before the 90 minutes is up.

 

 

 

[OldGorgie]

On 01/02/2023 at 09:43, Barack said:

Neilson will go out on loan, imo

Zero chance of that. 

[i wish jj was my dad]

5 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Suppose Paterson playing RWB between now and the end of the season can only benefit us when he signs in the summer. (If he doesn’t extend with Wednesday that is) After all, they can get his body used to playing there again so he doesn’t cramp up before the 90 minutes is up.

 

 

 

If we do get him back up the road and I'm still confident he will unless another silly contract is offered, I'm not convinced he will be pigeon holed into one position. He would have made a difference in midfield against Rangers for example. 👍

[OTT]

I think the biggest priority for us is to get on top of our player contracts. Obviously immediately, Gino and Snodgrass both hopefully will be extended, but beyond that: Beni and Devlin are both into their final year after this season ends. We've seen the development in Devlin and know the quality Beni brings to the table. I think getting extensions agreed over the summer would be the smart thing to do. If we can get both to commit long term to the club, it sorts our midfield out potentially for the next 3/4 years. Sibbick and Cochrane have both done ever so well this season. Cochrane, I think we expected to see most weeks, but Sibbick has had something of a breakout season for us. He's been a stalwart in that backline after a rough start. I think he's cemented his place in our back 3, and I think we should really be looking at extending his deal too, along with Cochranes too. 

 

The biggie for me is Shankland though, I'll probably keep mentioning it and bringing it up, but if we could get him to commit to a long term deal like Rowles has, it would be such a coup. Its one of those times where the sooner you act, the more chance of success you have. After this season, he'll only have 2 years left which, in the grand scheme of things really isn't that long. He's grown into the armband so well, and I think it would be a great piece of business to announce him as our permanent team captain alongside a new deal. Getting a deal done this season will ward off interest which is what we really need. A goal scorer of this calibre is worth adjusting the wage structure for. With the money coming in from Europe, I think it would be wise to invest in keeping him here as long as possible. 

 

I'd like to see Humps converted into a permanent deal, but if Wigan go down, Maloney might fancy Humps at League 1 level. I would assume they'd be one of the stronger sides in that division, so it might be a difficult deal to do. Maloney certainly isn't going to do us any favours, and Humps wage expectations might go beyond what we can reasonably afford too. Still, worth asking the question and seeing what can be done. Even another loan deal (as I understand Wigan are skint, so 100% of his wages are a burden for them at the moment). 

 

I'd quite like us to look at some of the out of contract Scottish players this summer. Building a strong Scottish core to our team is important, and if for example we can't get Humps, Ryan Hardie would be a good choice IMO. Also wonder if Ethan Hamilton could be an option too. A big strong goalscoring midfielder would do well in this team IMO. I think I laughed at the  Nicky Devlin suggestion before, but 5 assists and 2 goals from RWB is exactly what we need. He's Livi's captain too, so there are leadership qualities there also. Whilst its not exactly box office, I think he could be a very solid signing. Jack Fitzwater (albeit he's English) has done extremely well in a very difficult to beat Livi side. With Halket's fitness under a question mark, he could be another good potential option. 

Edited February 7, 2023 by OTT

[CMc]

On 01/02/2023 at 11:46, Drylaw Hearts said:

Midfield needs work for me. We don’t have a proper big shithouse defensive midfielder or a real attacking threat from the middle if the park either.
 

A winger for either side of the park.

 

 

Heading for the exit…..

 

Atkinson

Haring

Grant

Kio

GMS

Forrest

I don’t think there’s a chance those in bold will be leaving next window. Not the way we operate. 

 

Also don’t think we will sign an outright DM or an outright AM. They don’t fit our system. Kio is the outright destroyer - and so doesn’t fit how we play most games. Would mean upgrading the bench to the first XI. Same for an outright AM. Grant covers that space on the rare occasions we play a central attacking midfielder. 
 

Our system calls for two genuine central midfielders. We need high quality generalists not specialists. Can’t play a diamond midfield with two midfielders - the one DM would get even more overrun than Cam has at times this year. 
 

Some people might not like the system we play, but we will 100% stick to it and recruit for it. 

[johnking123]

2 minutes ago, CMc said:

I don’t think there’s a chance those in bold will be leaving next window. Not the way we operate. 

 

Also don’t think we will sign an outright DM or an outright AM. They don’t fit our system. Kio is the outright destroyer - and so doesn’t fit how we play most games. Would mean upgrading the bench to the first XI. Same for an outright AM. Grant covers that space on the rare occasions we play a central attacking midfielder. 
 

Our system calls for two genuine central midfielders. We need high quality generalists not specialists. Can’t play a diamond midfield with two midfielders - the one DM would get even more overrun than Cam has at times this year. 
 

Some people might not like the system we play, but we will 100% stick to it and recruit for it. 

Spot on. Need a high energy combative midfielders. That why we need another Beni beside Devlin.  Both high energy and play football. Especially if he wants 343.

[Drylaw Hearts]

11 minutes ago, CMc said:

I don’t think there’s a chance those in bold will be leaving next window. Not the way we operate. 

 

Also don’t think we will sign an outright DM or an outright AM. They don’t fit our system. Kio is the outright destroyer - and so doesn’t fit how we play most games. Would mean upgrading the bench to the first XI. Same for an outright AM. Grant covers that space on the rare occasions we play a central attacking midfielder. 
 

Our system calls for two genuine central midfielders. We need high quality generalists not specialists. Can’t play a diamond midfield with two midfielders - the one DM would get even more overrun than Cam has at times this year. 
 

Some people might not like the system we play, but we will 100% stick to it and recruit for it. 

The only thing Kio outright destroys is my mood.

 

To have a squad of players that can only play one system is just stupid and it’s often why we end up having several players playing out of their natural position during matches.

 

 

[Sooks]

Paterson does well at right wing back at Wednesday and it causes ructions on Jambos Kickback where those who had nailed their opinions to their foreheads now have to walk about displaying them and desperately trying to justify them

 

Surely. ……….. surely it is just better to shrug and say oh well looks like I called that one wrong 😄 

[CMc]

12 minutes ago, Drylaw Hearts said:

The only thing Kio outright destroys is my mood.

 

To have a squad of players that can only play one system is just stupid and it’s often why we end up having several players playing out of their natural position during matches.

 

 

Everyone has their perspective, but Kio’s numbers for breaking up play are better than Devlin’s this year. Devlin had previously had the highest number of tackles and intercepts per game in the squad. 
 

Nobody is saying sign players who can only play one system. What I’m saying is, it would be daft to sign players who do not fit our primary system. 
 

It’s all good if you would prefer us to play a diamond 442 or a 433 where full on DMs and AMs make sense. It’s ok if you don’t like the cut of Kio or Grant’s jib. I just don’t expect the club to agree with you. 

[Dick Dastardly]

14 minutes ago, Sooks said:

Paterson does well at right wing back at Wednesday and it causes ructions on Jambos Kickback where those who had nailed their opinions to their foreheads now have to walk about displaying them and desperately trying to justify them

 

Surely. ……….. surely it is just better to shrug and say oh well looks like I called that one wrong 😄 

Utter madness! 😂 😂 

[GinRummy]

39 minutes ago, Drylaw Hearts said:

The only thing Kio outright destroys is my mood.

 

 

 

 

I honestly don't know why folk are so down on this guy. He had quite a pish start but so do lots of players who go on to do well. He's looked good in recent games and has shown signs he can play a part. Is it partly because we paid a fee for him? The fees we are paying are no guarantee of quality. In fact they could fairly be described as peanuts.

 

Not saying he is going to make it with us but he's hardly played.

[BackOfTheNet]

43 minutes ago, Sooks said:

Paterson does well at right wing back at Wednesday and it causes ructions on Jambos Kickback where those who had nailed their opinions to their foreheads now have to walk about displaying them and desperately trying to justify them

 

Surely. ……….. surely it is just better to shrug and say oh well looks like I called that one wrong 😄 

That’s some top patter, son…

[Sooks]

Just now, BackOfTheNet said:

That’s some top patter, son…

 

The best humour always has a hint or realism under the surface ...................................... always a good idea to keep it breezy 

[Bazzas right boot]

10 hours ago, OTT said:

I think the biggest priority for us is to get on top of our player contracts. Obviously immediately, Gino and Snodgrass both hopefully will be extended, but beyond that: Beni and Devlin are both into their final year after this season ends. We've seen the development in Devlin and know the quality Beni brings to the table. I think getting extensions agreed over the summer would be the smart thing to do. If we can get both to commit long term to the club, it sorts our midfield out potentially for the next 3/4 years. Sibbick and Cochrane have both done ever so well this season. Cochrane, I think we expected to see most weeks, but Sibbick has had something of a breakout season for us. He's been a stalwart in that backline after a rough start. I think he's cemented his place in our back 3, and I think we should really be looking at extending his deal too, along with Cochranes too. 

 

The biggie for me is Shankland though, I'll probably keep mentioning it and bringing it up, but if we could get him to commit to a long term deal like Rowles has, it would be such a coup. Its one of those times where the sooner you act, the more chance of success you have. After this season, he'll only have 2 years left which, in the grand scheme of things really isn't that long. He's grown into the armband so well, and I think it would be a great piece of business to announce him as our permanent team captain alongside a new deal. Getting a deal done this season will ward off interest which is what we really need. A goal scorer of this calibre is worth adjusting the wage structure for. With the money coming in from Europe, I think it would be wise to invest in keeping him here as long as possible. 

 

I'd like to see Humps converted into a permanent deal, but if Wigan go down, Maloney might fancy Humps at League 1 level. I would assume they'd be one of the stronger sides in that division, so it might be a difficult deal to do. Maloney certainly isn't going to do us any favours, and Humps wage expectations might go beyond what we can reasonably afford too. Still, worth asking the question and seeing what can be done. Even another loan deal (as I understand Wigan are skint, so 100% of his wages are a burden for them at the moment). 

 

I'd quite like us to look at some of the out of contract Scottish players this summer. Building a strong Scottish core to our team is important, and if for example we can't get Humps, Ryan Hardie would be a good choice IMO. Also wonder if Ethan Hamilton could be an option too. A big strong goalscoring midfielder would do well in this team IMO. I think I laughed at the  Nicky Devlin suggestion before, but 5 assists and 2 goals from RWB is exactly what we need. He's Livi's captain too, so there are leadership qualities there also. Whilst its not exactly box office, I think he could be a very solid signing. Jack Fitzwater (albeit he's English) has done extremely well in a very difficult to beat Livi side. With Halket's fitness under a question mark, he could be another good potential option. 

 

 

Yip, that Kelly at Livi has impressed as well.

Agree with all of that.

 

We'll need to shift a few tho.

 

Gms

Haring

Henderson 

All look likely to leave.

 

Aki, Gino, Grant and Kio look like 50/50 whether they stay or not.

 

Will we replace Hill and Kuol or get them on loan again?

Big Hump?

Boyce will be back and Odua will hopefully be settled. 

 

Do we need to cover Halkett and Kingsley with experienced quality, this season has raised concerns over their long term fitness. 

 

 

 

Will Pollock step up?

Will Beni fully recover, or need replacing?

Edited February 8, 2023 by Bazzas right boot

[i wish jj was my dad]

46 minutes ago, Sooks said:

Paterson does well at right wing back at Wednesday and it causes ructions on Jambos Kickback where those who had nailed their opinions to their foreheads now have to walk about displaying them and desperately trying to justify them

 

Surely. ……….. surely it is just better to shrug and say oh well looks like I called that one wrong 😄 

Well known utility player can operate effectively in different positions.  If we are lucky enough to get him back and consolidate with one or two other upgrades I can see us getting a lot closer to the uglies. 

[BackOfTheNet]

20 minutes ago, GinRummy said:

I honestly don't know why folk are so down on this guy. He had quite a pish start but so do lots of players who go on to do well. He's looked good in recent games and has shown signs he can play a part. Is it partly because we paid a fee for him? The fees we are paying are no guarantee of quality. In fact they could fairly be described as peanuts.

 

Not saying he is going to make it with us but he's hardly played.

It’s partly the fee, for some that supposedly guarantees highest quality, but it’s mostly certain fans like to be stubborn. They like to form an opinion quickly, they see “let’s wait and see” as a sign of weakness and feel anything but a conclusive opinion one way or another is unacceptable.
 

So they form an opinion quickly whether someone is the worst ever player to play in maroon or that they’re destined for big things and will make us millions. No in between. And no change in performance or contribution to the games will change that. Unless that is they pull a MOTM performance of at least 10/10 and a solid showing in a derby, preferably with a goal. Not everyone is like this, but a fair few who post on here do.

[Sooks]

Just now, BackOfTheNet said:

It’s partly the fee, for some that supposedly guarantees highest quality, but it’s mostly certain fans like to be stubborn. They like to form an opinion quickly, they see “let’s wait and see” as a sign of weakness and feel anything but a conclusive opinion one way or another is unacceptable.
 

So they form an opinion quickly whether someone is the worst ever player to play in maroon or that they’re destined for big things and will make us millions. No in between. And no change in performance or contribution to the games will change that. Unless that is they pull a MOTM performance of at least 10/10 and a solid showing in a derby, preferably with a goal. Not everyone is like this, but a fair few who post on here do.

 

Poked a bit of light humour at you earlier , but this post is totally on the bulls eye

[GinRummy]

3 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

It’s partly the fee, for some that supposedly guarantees highest quality, but it’s mostly certain fans like to be stubborn. They like to form an opinion quickly, they see “let’s wait and see” as a sign of weakness and feel anything but a conclusive opinion one way or another is unacceptable.
 

So they form an opinion quickly whether someone is the worst ever player to play in maroon or that they’re destined for big things and will make us millions. No in between. And no change in performance or contribution to the games will change that. Unless that is they pull a MOTM performance of at least 10/10 and a solid showing in a derby, preferably with a goal. Not everyone is like this, but a fair few who post on here do.

I think that's probably a good explanation. Some players take time to settle, let's hope Kio is one of them

[TheBigO]

1 hour ago, CMc said:

I don’t think there’s a chance those in bold will be leaving next window. Not the way we operate. 

 

Also don’t think we will sign an outright DM or an outright AM. They don’t fit our system. Kio is the outright destroyer - and so doesn’t fit how we play most games. Would mean upgrading the bench to the first XI. Same for an outright AM. Grant covers that space on the rare occasions we play a central attacking midfielder. 
 

Our system calls for two genuine central midfielders. We need high quality generalists not specialists. Can’t play a diamond midfield with two midfielders - the one DM would get even more overrun than Cam has at times this year. 
 

Some people might not like the system we play, but we will 100% stick to it and recruit for it. 

Exactly correct.  Apart from anything, I also think the idea of a labelled DM or whatever is a bit passé.  Is Cam a DM, really?  Been told for 18 months that he is.  Is Beni?  These guys are midfielders.  Just midfielders, who can carry out roles in that area and adapt to different game scenarios.

 

Cam at his best (and Beni actually) is winning us the ball in the attacking third and causing mayhem, while also retaining us possession up that end.  I guess that is defensive in that it's a destroyer role, but it's not someone sitting patrolling infront of our defence which is how I'd see a DM.

 

I'm not sure Kio is all just DM either.  He showed against Rangers he's more than willing to try and break the lines when freed to do so.

 

Like you say, we need players who fit how we want to play.  It just makes sense.  But of course they'll also be adaptable.  Christ, Gino did a decent job at RB the other day!

[jambo191]

Johnny Russell Has agreed to join us in the Summer, according to one of my friends that knows him well.

 

Could be a good signing, he is meant to be a right character in the squads he has been in.

 

Can’t say I have watched much MLS but seems he has done fairly well over there.

[TheBigO]

Just now, jambo191 said:

Has agreed to join us in the Summer, according to one of my friends that knows him well.

 

Could be a good signing, he is meant to be a right character in the squads he has been in.

 

Can’t say I have watched much MLS but seems he has done fairly well over there.

Always liked him as a player. Direct, skillful

[steve123]

Is he a free contract ? 

[Special Agent Dale Cooper]

Decent scoop! Could be a good addition if true.

[InternationalJambo]

Would be an incredible bit of business if true but according to transfermarkt his contract isn’t up til December of this year with the club having an option of a further year. 

[Glamorgan Jambo]

He’s done very well in the MLS. So much so that his current salary is 2 million USD/year. 

 

Let’s see what happens 

[indianajones]

No idea what he's like these days. Will be 33 this year. Short term deal I suppose? 

[Notts1874]

Turns 33 this year. Contracted until December 31st. 

[Hungry hippo]

A very dependable, high quality player. Will be pleasantly surprised if we get him.

[A_A wehatethehibs]

Not got a great record signings from the MLS tbqh… it’d be a pass for me personally just based on that 

[vegas-voss]

Can't see it.He will be 33 and I fear another GMS if it were to happen.

 

Always thought he was a good player though.

 

[Rods]

Kelty Hearts more like

[kingantti1874]

Just now, Rods said:

Kelty Hearts more like

Utter nonsense 

[Pasquale for King]

Maybe a few years ago, be a weird signing but Snodgrass has done well. 

[Riccarton3]

Makes sense. We do need young legs alongside Snodgrass