Hearts in the right place

9 Jul 1997

AUSTRIAN midfielder Tommy Flogel last night revealed how he snubbed a dream Champions League spot to be part of the Hearts revolution.

The 26-year-old midfielder was snapped up by Tynecastle manager Jim Jefferies on a two-year deal after spending time on trial at Dundee United.

Flogel, who was encouraged to settle in Scotland by fellow Austrian Attila Sekerlioglu, of St Johnstone, said: ''I had a chance to join Lierse, but they are selling a lot of their players and I was not sure of their ambition.

''Hearts have ambition and, when I spoke to Jim, I had the feeling he was building a team and that I'd be a major part of it.

''We are not looking just to reach Europe, we want to win trophies and I have a feeling we can.

Dundee United were also interested, but I had a look at the towns and preferred Edinburgh.'' Jefferies said: ''I would have expected to pay �500,000-plus had Tommy not been a free agent.

He works hard and creates chances either on the left or behind the strikers.'' Meanwhile, Jefferies will have talks with Crewe midfielder Robbie Savage today.

Crystal Palace and Coventry are also interested.

Taken from the Herald