Elvis sure hero will be a hit at Tynecastle

PAUL KIDDIE

STEVEN PRESSLEY enjoyed some rare old tussles against John Robertson during the Gorgie legend’s playing career - now the Hearts skipper can’t wait to work with the new Tynecastle boss.

The Scotland star arrived in the Capital in the summer of 1998 from Dundee United shortly after the striker had seen his 18-year love affair with the Edinburgh club come to an end with a move to Livingston.

Pressley has since established himself as a figure of major influence at the club and has welcomed the appointment of Robertson as Craig Levein’s successor at the start of what he hopes will be a successful new era for the Jambos.

"I came up against John on several occasions for Dundee United in my younger years and was well aware of the quality of his play," said Pressley. "I am delighted now to work with him as I believe he is an excellent coach and he has proved that in his short managerial career so far.

"There are many positive things surrounding this club at the moment and John’s appointment will be the icing on the cake for the supporters.

"It is the start of a new era and hopefully an even more successful one for Hearts and the players desperately want to help John achieve success here as he was a very successful player and will want to continue that on the managerial front."

The Jam Tarts’ all-time record goalscorer made an emotional return to the club where he made his name on the pitch when he was officially unveiled as the new Tynecastle boss yesterday afternoon following the agreement of a compensation package with Inverness Caley Thistle.

Robbo was the only man the fans wanted - and Pressley insists the players are just as excited by his arrival.

Although the new manager will be in the dug-out for tonight’s UEFA Cup crunch against Schalke, it is in the weeks ahead that Pressley expects the team to benefit.

"He won’t have a major influence on the team tonight as he has had no time to work with us but hopefully we can get a positive result for him tonight and keep the feel-good factor going," he said.

"I don’t think he will tinker with things too much as he is aware of the relative success we have had in recent years but I am sure he will make a few alterations in due course and stamp his authority on the team.

"Hopefully these small changes can go a long way to helping us continue to improve.

"He has done a fantastic job of taking Inverness from the First Division into the SPL and then turning things around after a difficult start to the season in the top flight.

"The one thing he will have here at Hearts will be the backing of the players and the supporters and I am sure he will do a great job."

Taken from the Scotsman