Craig Beattie will talk to Hearts first as contract expires

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on Monday 21 May 2012 12:48

CRAIG BEATTIE will talk to Hearts first before any other club this summer and stressed today that extending his stay in Edinburgh is entirely down to the Tynecastle hierarchy.

In the aftermath of a mammoth 5-1 victory over Hibs in the Scottish Cup final, Beattie spoke to the Evening News to declare his respect for Hearts and the supporters who idolise him. He received a hero’s welcome entering the field as substitute on Saturday and is now eager to discuss his future with club officials.

Beattie is out of contract after signing a short-term deal with Hearts in February. He believes staying at Tynecastle is possible depending on whether the board are willing to offer a contract.

Regardless of interest from elsewhere, Beattie will speak to Hearts first out of courtesy. “The rapport I’ve built with the club and the fans and the people in and around the place has been excellent,” he said.

“People like John Murray, the director of football, have been fantastic. I’d like to sit down and see what their thoughts are first. I will certainly give Hearts the due respect by having the chat and then see where we go.

“It just depends what the club want to do and the direction they are going in. Whether they would want experience, or if they’re going with youth, or cutting budgets. There’s a long way to go.” Beattie explained that he fully intends to enjoy the cup success before sitting down to discuss where he will play next season. “I’ve been pretty quiet of late, a bit of a family man, so I’m going to enjoy this cup win,” he said.

“We’ll go and enjoy it and then go on holiday. We’ll see what happens after that. I just want to play, I want to enjoy my football. Hopefully I will speak to Hearts. I haven’t spoken to them yet but hopefully we’ll sit down and have a chat to see how the land lies.”

Taken from the Scotsman