Danny Wilson provides relief for Hearts in troubled times

Ruaraidh Mackay.

THE signing, or rather, extension, of Danny Wilson’s contract at Hearts last week provided yet another swirl of controversy around the Tynecastle club as fans of opposing clubs voiced their outrage at the player signing a two year deal in Gorgie.

The reason for their indignation is of course that Hearts have a transfer embargo placed on them as long as they remain in administration. Job cuts at Tynecastle have led to regrettable redundancies for many of Hearts’ workers, all of whom are victims of the previous regime’s reckless spending for too many years.

Danny Wilson’s signing was therefore seen as Heart’s bending the rules to suit them. However, the club is well within their right to exploit a registration loophole to improve a completely threadbare squad that stands a slim chance at the moment of survival next season, starting with a -15 point deduction.


Hearts fan are used to Hampden trips but face tough 12 months.

Not only did Wilson take a 50% wage cut (an incredible gesture considering he had offers to play elsewhere), his signing is a huge asset business wise to Hearts and any prospective new owners will see it as a massive positive in any thoughts to purchase the club. This alone justifies the Scotland international’s signing.

Wilson had a steady if unspectacular loan spell at Hearts towards last season, playing in a left back and centre back role, making 14 appearances for the Jambos. However due to his impressive CV, having played in the Champions League and won all domestic competitions with Rangers, Wilson has been made club captain for next season.

A huge task for the 21 year old you might feel, but one he looks like embracing after his press conference today.

“It makes me really proud to be captain," said Wilson. "The gaffer’s given me the honour and it’s one that I’m looking forward to. I think it would be greatest achievement in the club’s history if we’re able to overturn this.”

The defender has laid down the gauntlet for the rest of the squad for this season, and has been realistic in his assessment. It’s going to be an absolute mammoth task for the Jambos to not be relegated this season - make no mistake - but the new captain will make things a little easier for Hearts.

It’s also satisfying to see the club replace a deeply admired captain in the departing Marius Zaliukas with one such as Wilson, who appears to have an understanding of what it takes to be Hearts captain even at such a young age.

One man he can turn to for advice is of course manager Gary Locke, who was the youngest ever captain to play in a Scottish Cup final in 1996. Locke bleeds maroon, and declared himself “the proudest man in Edinburgh” when Jim Jefferies appointed him captain in November 1995.

Wilson - and indeed the rest of his team-mates - would do well to heed his manager’s expert advice in Hearts’ most testing season in recent times, as the Gorgie men look to dig themselves out of a serious relegation scrap starting in August.

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