Danny Wilson named as new Hearts captain

MARTIN HANNAN
Published on 02/07/2013 00:00

DANNY Wilson has been named as the new captain of troubled Hearts.

The defender, 21, assumes the role after being given the green light to remain at the administration-hit club.

The Scottish Professional Football League last week ruled that Wilson’s registration can continue following his loan spell from Liverpool and that his permanent move to the Edinburgh outfit would not be affected by a transfer embargo currently in place.

According to boss Gary Locke, the former Rangers defender has the leadership qualities required to wear the skipper’s armband.

He told Hearts News: “It was a tough decision as the more experienced players have all made huge sacrifices over the summer and showed me the type of commitment I want here.

“I feel Danny is the right man for the job. He has a lot of experience for someone so young, is a good talker and is a quiet lad off the pitch as well which is something you’re looking for in your captain.

“It is a big responsibility for him but he has all the right credentials as far as I am concerned.

“He is a winner, commands respect in the dressing room, which is a big plus, and knows what the club is all about.

“He has made the same sacrifices as Jamie Hamill, Ryan Stevenson and Jamie Macdonald and as I said, I do feel he is the right man for the job.

“Hopefully he can be the leader of a successful team this season.”

Fans have now purchased 2,000 season tickets since Hearts were forced into administration last month.

Administrators BDO have urged supporters to take the tally to 3,000 by Friday in a bid to aid the club’s survival.

Locke added: “It is incredible what they are doing.

“The more season tickets we sell, the better it is for the club and hopefully the fans can keep going with their efforts.

“I fully appreciate money is tight just now which makes what they have done even more remarkable.

“To have a packed Tynecastle for the start of the season will give a lift to all the players after what has been a really difficult summer.”

Wilson signing ‘huge’, says Holt

Colleague Jason Holt nominated Wilson yesterday as a likely club captain.

Wilson’s signing was huge for Hearts, said Holt: “I don’t think anyone was sure what has happening, so to finally close the deal was great.

“He’s still quite a young lad but he’s got vast experience and is a big addition to the squad.

“Hats off to Danny, because he knows the situation the club are in and he had other offers. To come back to the club in these circumstances is brilliant because it did look like the deal wasn’t going to happen. ”

If the new signing is offered the armband, Holt would be pleased, even though Wilson at 21 is just a year older than himself. “He would be a strong candidate to be captain,” said Holt, “because he’s got massive experience. I would be delighted if he was named captain tomorrow.

“He’s got five caps for Scotland, and not many people have played for the national team at such a young age. He’s played Champions League, too.

“The presence he has on the pitch, what he offers to those round about him, is just great.

“He’s similar to Andy Webster in that he’s got a lot of advice to give, which is helpful not just to the young lads but to every member of the team.

Taken from the Scotsman