Hearts fans urged not to give returning Webster a hard time

The Hearts Supporters Trust today implored fans to take a lead from Vladimir Romanov, the club's majority shareholder who sanctioned Webster's signing despite a very public fall-out with him in 2006.

The Scotland defender invoked an unknown FIFA ruling to opt out of his Hearts contract at the time, and despite his market value being around 3 million he moved to Wigan Athletic for a compensation fee of just 150,000, set by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after an appeal.

Many Hearts supporters have since made their feelings for Webster clear, with widespread booing breaking out whenever he returned to Tynecastle after joining Rangers from Wigan. However, the Hearts Supporters Trust chairman Derek Watson today advised fans to let the 28-year-old prove himself again on the pitch before passing judgment.

"A lot of supporters blamed the agent at the time rather than Webster.

Romanov did the same," Watson pointed out. "If Romanov is willing to let it be water under the bridge, then let it be water under the bridge.

"I think Romanov knew he was a very good player for Hearts. He should have been worth a good few million quid and gone on to play for one of the top teams down south. That hasn't happened, we've got him back and hopefully he will prove himself all over again at Tynecastle. He can be a very good signing. Maybe not so much for this season but certainly for the future.

"He played well for Hearts when he was here before and for Dundee United last season. I don't know what went wrong with him at Rangers but I think, and obviously Mr Romanov also thinks, that people should give him a chance. I think he made the wrong decision at the time he left Hearts. But I'm sure he can prove himself again. He's good enough to do that."

Watson is convinced Webster's performances can convince any naysayers that he is committed to Hearts. "I think he can win the fans over but it may not be right away," he continued.

"Hearts are pretty solid at the back just now but we've lacked cover in that central defensive position for around two years or so.

"We clearly needed someone there and to bring in someone of Webster's calibre is very positive.

"It would probably help those who doubt the wisdom of his return if he admitted he was wrong to leave. But I think they are in the minority. I would like to see supporters get behind him now he's a Hearts player again."

Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager, stressed that Webster's history at Tynecastle should have no bearing on his future.

"Andy is a quality player, a top defender and is an excellent addition to our squad," he said. "I am not interested in what happened in the past.

"All I care about is the future and Andy can play a big part in that for Hearts."

Webster is being viewed as a long-term replacement for Ismael Bouzid, who is out of contract this summer.

He could participate in Saturday's friendly with East Fife but his competitive return will be at Hamilton on Saturday week. He rejected a contract offer from Hibs and spurned interest from Dundee United, Aberdeen and clubs in England in favour of Hearts.

"I am delighted to have rejoined Hearts and am grateful to the manager and owners for giving me the chance to return to a club that means a lot to me," he said.

"I come back to the club that gave me the base for a successful club and international career as a more experienced player.

"A lot was written at the time I left and the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, but the fact I have returned to a club which means so much to me - particularly when there were opportunities at other clubs - says everything I need to say on my return.

"Now my entire focus is on the future and helping Hearts secure European football."