Alan Lawrence says Jim Jefferies will thrive at Hearts

ALAN LAWRENCE had come and gone by the time Jim Jefferies enjoyed his finest hour as Hearts manager but he still cherishes the fact his signing sparked the change that led to that Scottish Cup triumph. And the 47-year-old is confident Hearts will be back playing with a bit more style once Jefferies and Billy Brown get to work on the current crop of players.

Edinburgh-born Lawrence was the first player Jefferies signed after his arrival in the summer of 1995, the striker moving to Tynecastle after making more than 200 appearances for Airdrie.

At 32, Lawrence knew he was only a short-term measure but that didn't stop him enjoying a season that ended with a Scottish Cup Final appearance, albeit a losing one as Hearts were beaten 5-1 by Rangers.

"Being Jim Jefferies' first signing for Hearts is my claim to fame and, what's more, one I am proud of," said the man who started his career at Meadowbank and was known fondly as "Nipper" due to his youthful appearance.

"I was there to try and do a turn for him straight away and was delighted to help Hearts finish fourth in the league that season and also get to the Scottish Cup Final. There was a mainstay of the team when Jim arrived at Hearts and he wanted to stamp his own authority on the club, something he certainly did with the success he enjoyed over the next few seasons.

"Now I'm delighted to see both Jim and Billy (Brown) back at Hearts and, though he can't wave a magic wand and make things better overnight, I think the fans are happy with his appointment."

As well as turning out for Hearts Legends, Lawrence, who is helping with the under-19s at Airdrie these days, says he has kept in touch with events at the club by doing some hospitality work at Tynecastle. "I'd have to say the team wasn't pleasant on the eye the times I've seen them and that is definitely something Jim will be aiming to sort out," he added.

"He'll want a team that plays decent football and I think the current crop of players will respond positively to him.

"I am also glad to see Gary Locke part of the backroom team because I think the dressing-room has been missing Hearts-minded guys like him."

Jeff's best signings

Colin Cameron: The man who was bought for 400,000 moved to Wolves for 2million

Neil McCann: Arguably the best left winger to grace the Scottish game for a long time

David Weir: The fact he's still going strong at 39 sums up his value

Gilles Rousset: Bounced back from blunder in first Cup final to become a Hearts hero

Pasquale Bruno: As arrogant as they come but added a touch of class at the back

Steve Fulton: His sweet left foot set up many of Hearts' attacks