Flogel keen to strike new deal at Tynecastle

THOMAS Flogel, the versatile Austrian internationalist who has played a key role in Hearts’ revival as the link man between midfield and attack, is prepared to sign a new deal with the Edinburgh club.

Flogel, 30, is out of contract in the summer and it was on the cards that the player would leave Scotland at the end of the season until a change of position coincided with a run of six league games without defeat.

Up to fourth spot in the Scottish Premier League after Saturday’s impressive 3-1 win over Aberdeen, Hearts have enjoyed exceptional service from Flogel and fellow midfielder Steve Fulton in recent months.

Last week, head coach Craig Levein spoke to both men about their futures.

While Fulton, who is also a free agent in the summer, had long indicated a desire to remain with the club, it wasn’t until yesterday that Flogel publicly echoed the view that he, too, would like to finish his career at Tynecastle.

"I hope that I can stay," he said. "All we’ve talked about so far is how I feel.

"What we need to discuss in the weeks ahead is money and another contract. If we can get that right then, yes, I will be happy to remain at Tynecastle. On the other hand, if the club can’t afford me then I have to go.

"I am back in the Austrian national team and there are circumstances I have to think about. I’m not getting any younger and I have my family at home to consider. But my feeling is I want to stay with Hearts.

"I suppose this could be the last contract I sign. I’m 31 in the summer and, to be honest, it would be great to see the same players here at Tynecastle next season. It makes it so much easier to build for a new season when you have continuity.

"But in the five years I’ve been here that’s the way it’s always been. I think that’s why we’ve struggled to start each season well and have played badly. Then when everything settles down during the winter we improve a lot."

Like Fulton, Flogel was a member of the side which won the Scottish Cup.

His belief that the current Hearts team also have the capacity to evolve into a successful side if Levein is allowed to introduce a measure of stability appears to have persuaded the player that he has a part in the club’s future.

Taken from the Scotsman