HARTLEY SAYS SORRY TO SOAKED RIVALS

Jul 31 2005

By Gavin Berry

SORRY star Paul Hartley last night revealed how he apologised to a Kilmarnock fan after losing the rag and spraying him with WATER.

The Hearts midfielder reacted to flak he was taking from a section of the home support and infuriated one man by giving him a soaking.

But the Scotland ace, who was on target from the spot in his side's terrific 4-2 victory, later regretted his temper tantrum and made a point of seeking out his 'victim' and apologising after the final whistle.

He even signed his strip and presented it to the Killie follower.

Hartley said: 'It was just one of those things. I was getting a bit of stick and I reacted by spraying some water over a fan.

'But after the game I went and spoke to the guy, shook his hand and gave him my signed strip. He was fine, there's no problem.'

Hartley is set for further talks with Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton as his contract saga continues but he hopes something can be sorted soon.

He said: 'I've met the manager and we've had a good chat.

'We'll have another meeting with Mr Anderton in the next week and take it from there.

'We'll see what develops but I know the manager is confident of keeping me. The next contract is the most important of my career, not just for me but my family so it has to be right.'

Hartley was delighted with Jambos' display and three points ahead of next week's big Edinburgh derby.

He said: 'It's early doors but what a fantastic start for us.

'We have a new team but we worked well. With six or seven new players it was a good start.

'Half the guys aren't even 100 per cent fit because they've not trained a lot and hopefully when they get their fitness up there will be more to come.

'This is the most optimistic I've been since coming to Hearts.

'The manager has brought some new ideas and good players in and it's looking good for the season.

Taken from the Sunday Mail