Hearts swoop for Craig Beattie
Craig Beattie
Hearts were today closing in on a deal for former Scotland star Craig Beattie as they seek to bolster their strikeforce for a two-pronged attack on the Scottish Cup and third place in the SPL.
The Tynecastle club have held tentative talks with the former Celtic and West Brom forward, who is a free agent after being released by Swansea City. And, with Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and St Mirren all reported to be keen to land Beattie, Hearts were set today to try and accelerate the process of adding the player to their squad until the end of the season. It was reported earlier this week that Rangers had also considered a move for Beattie before turning their attentions to Daniel Cousin.
The addition of the Scotland cap would provide a timely lift to a Hearts squad whose attacking options have been significantly diluted by the January departures of John Sutton and Ryan Stevenson.
The unlikely prospect of a dip into the transfer market for the Edinburgh club is understood to have been made possible by the money the club will receive from their Scottish Cup replay win over St Johnstone.
Beattie’s arrival would give the club a further lift after the players were paid on time and in full yesterday, putting an end for now to the furore which has engulfed the club and sparked fears of financial trouble over the past few months.
It’s not all good news for the Jambos, however. The SPL has ruled that Hearts pay Jonathan Brown £70,000 by the end of the month after the club lost a contract wrangle with the former Tynecastle youngster. Brown’s deal expired last summer but he had the option of an extension, which Hearts were late in informing him they wouldn’t be taking up. In essence, this triggered a new deal, only for Hearts to then inform the player he was to be released. The £70,000 represents two years wages for Brown, who is currently with Livingston.
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Comments
There are 71 comments to this article
Page 1 of 5
the2ndApril2006
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 12:48 PMFirst Green #60 "But then Glen and Smith would probably struggle to get into division 2 teams". That no the same two wee laddies that scored against your mob. Do yourself a favour, take your brain out & stick it in a glass of water ya plum
1874 Jam Tarts
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:09 AM#67. How much are hibs in debt? How much did hibs lose again last year? How much have hibs crowds dropped this season?
pfhs77
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:35 PMIan Black's statement made me chuckle a litte.....'I want to draw a line under the whole thing'
Duncan D' Orderly
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 10:35 PMSing MF's!!
First Green
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 10:09 PM#60 You`re right. It doesn`t get better, it gets a lot worse. Players and other workers decide enough`s enough, as does manager and tax people while stadium continues to crumble. Enjoy 4th place in SPL cause the only way is down at Tynie (and Saughton or whereever you end up). Hope Beattie signing is confirmed-seems to have failed at all his clubs-not much sign of trust in youth players there but then Glen and Smith would probably struggle to get into division 2 teams.
waspy100
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 09:21 PMhiccup again whats the problem with this site post and it dissapears into a blk hole retyepy and yo have two URGHHHH
waspy100
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 09:18 PMThink he will be a good signing for Hearts we are a bit short upfront in stature and goal scoring need big man there. As for Black he was found not guilty and all the tests came back saying he was clean. So whats the problem.
waspy100
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 09:04 PMCould be a good signing for Hearts as we are a bit short upfront in stature and firepower. As for Black the case was dismissed and he was clean on all the drugs tests so whats the problem?
Atholl Brigade
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 07:32 PM#1 think you'll fInd that O'Coker goes to court twice on multiple charges things will be different
Hannon
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 06:55 PM#60 'trumped up charges' are you sure about that? From the reports of the court case he could have been a very lucky laddie today and would do well to learn quickly over this experience. He should now get on with doing his talking through his performances and cut out some of the other things he is getting publicity for. Sure Hearts will deal with behind the scenes without media fuss.
Weel Kent Jambo
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 06:18 PM#60 You're absolutely right - now if Carlsberg did weeks in the life of a football club..............just need a result againstthe 'Well tomorrow to make it even better. Where have all the green and white trolls gone today?
Baldrick
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 06:13 PMI don't think I can take much more good news from Tynie. Black cleared of trumped up charges, a new striker coming in to strengthen the squad and 100% commitment from everyone. On top of that, a pusating clash against Motherwell tomorrow and another instalment in the two horse relegation struggle. Doubt if it gets much better than this.
First Green
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 06:05 PM#57 Why? 4th and soon to be 5th in SPL., massive debts with monthly celebration whenif players are paid on time, a stadium that is an embarrassment to Scottish football,sponsors leaving Hearts after unsavoury scandals and club searching for free training facilities because they can`t pay rent etc etc etc. Enjoy the good times!
Baldrick
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 05:47 PMI would imagine if Jonathon Brown had been at the Giro on that money he would have been their highest paid player.
Duncan D' Orderly
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 05:20 PMOh' It's good to be a Jambo!!
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