Gavin Berry: Jambos can have no complaints over John Sutton's move to Fir Park

2 Jul 2013 09:16

GAVIN explains why Hearts fans cannot grumble about the Englishman's return to Fir Park, especially after he was frozen out at Tynecastle a year ago.

WHEN Hearts fans enjoyed arguably their most memorable day following their team, John Sutton was more than 10,000 miles away and probably even further from their minds.

Frozen out by then boss Paulo Sergio, the striker was on loan to Central Coast Mariners and forced to sit and watch the 2012 Scottish Cup Final hammering of Hibs on a dodgy internet connection.

It was the day before Sutton was due to fly back to Scotland in the hope of rescuing his Tynecastle career. He had been sent to the other side of the world before returning to find the door open again when the Portuguese left to be replaced by John McGlynn.

Like Sergio, some Jambos fans have just never taken to Sutton. But despite the stick some will still be outraged over his decision not to take a 50 per cent pay cut like other senior players in the club’s time of need.

And as Danny Wilson reported for pre-season training yesterday after using a loophole to sign a permanent deal on slashed pay, Sutton was preparing to be formally unveiled by old club Motherwell.

But Hearts fans shouldn’t be holding that against the 29-year-old. Had Sergio remained in charge 12 months ago and shipped Sutton out few would have shed a tear. So they can’t complain now just because he is more important to Gary Locke in the current crisis.

Sutton is within his rights to look out for No.1. He received little sympathy when out of the picture under Sergio.

Players haven’t even been receiving money since going into administration. Half of what he’s been getting lately is nothing at all and there is no knowing what the future holds for the club.

Ironically, Sutton said it was the way Motherwell fans treated him when he left Fir Park that made it a no-brainer for him to return on a two-year deal which gives him the kind of security he needs at this stage in his career.

Motherwell’s first meeting with the Jambos is 10 games into the season and it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from the Hearts fans.

Sergio will always be a hero in the eyes of the Jambos faithful. But the Portuguese put himself first when he decided to quit after being faced with drastic budget cuts.

There is little loyalty shown in modern-day football. Sutton is no different but that shouldn’t be held against him.

Taken from the Daily Record