Hearts poised to cash in on Stephen Husband deal

• Stephen Husband

The 19-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the English Championship club, with the fee reported south of the Border as an initial 25,000 rising to 100,000 with add-ons.

Hearts believe Husband has enough potential to progress in England and were keen to insert a clause securing them ten per cent of any future transfer fee.

The player will also receive ten per cent should he move on, with Blackpool retaining the remaining 80 per cent.

"I think the football up in Scotland and down here is a lot different. Hopefully, I can fit in okay," said Husband.

"There are some top players here. There were good players at Hearts as well but I think I'll do well here and learn from the experience.

"I don't know whether I'll be pushing for a first-team place straight away. Obviously, the gaffer (Ian Holloway] has brought me in so he must have plans for me. I just have to work hard and see what happens.

"My initial impressions of the club are good. The boys have been welcoming, the gaffer is good, so I am happy to sign. Obviously, I'll be

working with a first-team manager that has had plenty of experience. He is keen on teaching me and I am happy to learn and expecting to learn a lot."

Husband joined Hearts in July 2007 at the age of 16 from Second Division Cowdenbeath. He did not manage any first-team appearances but signed a new three-year contract in July 2008 shortly after the appointment of Csaba Laszlo as manager.

He spent the first six months of this season on loan at Livingston before being allowed to join Blackpool with the blessing of new Hearts manager Jim Jefferies.

"The deal was all set up before I arrived," said Jefferies.

"The club had agreed a small fee with a sell-on clause so he's gone. I spoke to Stephen because I know a change of manager can sometimes change things but I think he'd shaken hands and agreed on the deal by then. I didn't know enough about him to guarantee anything. We wish him all the best."