Weir gets his way

STRIKER Graham Weir is set to hand Hearts a boost by signing a new one-year deal with the Gorgie outfit, the Evening News can reveal.

Initially disappointed at being offered just a six-month contract, the diminutive front man had been widely expected to quit the club in the summer.

However, following further negotiations between the player's representative Gary Mackay and chief executive Phil Anderton, a new 12-month deal has been tabled, with Weir set to sign on the dotted line later this week.

"Agreeing the new deal will be a formality," said Mackay today. "Graham was disappointed to be offered just a six-month contract by Hearts and was looking for a deal similar in length to what has been offered to others at Tynecastle. He's delighted with the year and we will hopefully have everything finalised by the end of the week." Weir became a darling of the Gorgie faithful in January 2003 when he famously smashed two goals in injury time to snatch a dramatic 4-4 draw against Hibs at Tynecastle.

The 20-year-old fell out of the first-team picture under former boss John Robertson but was handed a shock start by caretaker manager John McGlynn in the Jambos' penultimate game of the season at home to Celtic earlier this month.

It was a surprise finale to a campaign which saw his fitness severely affected by the mumps.

Having agreed to the new offer, though, he will be determined to establish himself as a first-team goal-getter.

"Graham has played around 80 matches for Hearts so has a fair bit of experience," added Mackay.

"It should not be underestimated just how badly he was affected by the mumps last year but he will come back to the club for pre-season training determined to prove that he is good enough to be a regular in the first team.

"He will have a new manager to impress for next season but he is delighted to have been given this opportunity."

Weir's deal sees him join Christophe Berra, Craig Sives, Marco Pelosi, Gary Tierney and Jamie MacDonald in committing their futures to the club.

The news will disappoint a couple of other SPL clubs, who were understood to be chasing his signature.

Taken from the Scotsman