New Hibs signing Fraser Mullen has no problem pulling on a green and white shirt despite breaking his ankle at Easter Road

Gordon Parks

30 Jun 2013 08:51

MULLEN was injured during an Edinburgh derby in March as a Hearts player but is now focusing his attention on becoming an integral part of Pat Fenlon's side.
Mullen was injured during an Edinburgh derby in March after clashing with Hibs' Matt Done Mullen was injured during an Edinburgh derby in March after clashing with Hibs' Matt Done
Eric McCowat

FRASER Mullen admits it feels bizarre to be joining Hibs just four months after breaking his ankle against the Easter Road side while playing for rivals Hearts.

The 19-year-old signed a one-year-deal yesterday after becoming victim of the financial disaster that continues to unfold at Tynecastle.

Crossing the city divide is nothing new, as Paul Hartley, Darren Jackson and Eamonn Bannon would testify.

But Mullen admits the circumstances of his own decision to swap allegiances may be unique.

A crunching challenge on Hibs winger Matt Done during an Edinburgh derby clash in March was the last time the defender wore maroon.

But a move to their city rivals was too good to resist and the defender said: "It's incredible my last game was against Hibs and I broke my ankle.

"The last thing on my mind then was that my next game would be as a Hibernian player.

"When I first heard there was interest from Easter Road it came as a shock.

"My first thoughts were about the rivalry between the clubs, whether it could be done and about what the reaction would be. But I needed to think of myself and my career."

Mullen is already looking forward to an SPL date with his former club on August 10.

But he insisted he wasn't wanted at Tynecastle – and it wasn't his choice to walk away.

He said: "The dream scenario would be for Hearts to get back on their feet and for me to get into the Hibs first team.

"If I could face my old side next season it would so much to me. I would love to see them back on their feet and strong.

"I arrived at Tynecastle as a 12-year-old and came through the youth system. I have so much to be thankful to Hearts for.

"They gave me a chance and handed me a first-team debut.

"But my contract came to an end in May and the club decided not to renew it. I became a free agent so it's not as though I walked out.

"It has made it so much easier for me to sign for Hibs.

"But I would like the Hearts fans to know that I made this move for the sake of my career and I couldn't say, 'no'.

"I'm also from Glasgow which helps – if I supported Hearts then it would have made it harder.

"I am now part of a select group that has switched from Tynecastle to Easter Road but I don't believe it's as big a deal as it used to be."

Mullen's agents Viola FC waived their fee in an arrangement that will see that money added to the player's deal.

And the youngster has sympathy for his old Jambos mates who are being put through the mill.

He said: "It's devastating to see what's happening. I am still good friends with a lot of players and know what they are going through.

"I still care about them. I know what the club means to the fans and city.

"It's hard watching it all unfolding from the outside, especially so soon after being a part of it all.

"I feel sorry for everyone affected at Tynecastle.

"There were so many problems in the background when I was there but the players just got on with their jobs.

"We didn't really know the ins and outs – but it's all coming out now just how bad it all is."

The prospect of a Europa League qualifying clash for Hibs against either Drogheda or Malmo also looms large and it was another sweetener for Mullen to make the switch.

He said: "It's good to be moving to a club with stability and where there's not going to be financial problems.

"The manager Pat Fenlon told me he was determined to sign me and it was great to be made to feel wanted.

"I went through and had a look at the training facilities and the stadium and it was no-brainer for me.

"The lure of getting the chance to play in Europe is also massive."

Fenlon is backing the former Hearts youngster to handle the pressure of crossing the capital divide.

Last night he said: "We had to wait a little while to get the deal completed because Fraser was injured.

"He's now completed his medical and everything's fine.

"We're looking forward to getting him in as we haven't got loads of younger ones at right-back.

"He's young, enthusiastic and ambitious and hopefully we can improve him. He's a strong-minded boy so I don't see any problem with where he's come from."

Taken from the Daily Record