Hearts saddened by untimely death of Malcolm Robertson

HEARTS today expressed their sadness at the untimely death of former Tynecastle player Malcolm Robertson after a suspected heart attack at the age of just 59.

Robertson signed for Hearts in the late 1970s, also playing for Raith Rovers and Ayr United, and could play on either the left or the right wing. Born in Edinburgh, he began his career in the junior ranks with Penicuik Athletic and helping them to reach the Scottish Junior Cup Final in 1970.

That kind of form caught the eye of many senior clubs and Robertson - whose son Sandy played for Rangers in the early 1990s - moved on to Raith Rovers the following year.

His stock rose even further with the Stark's Park outfit, netting 53 goals in 140 games for the Kirkcaldy outfit.

His next move was to Ayr United in 1975 and then Hearts signed him just prior to the transfer deadline two years later for 25,000. Although Hearts were relegated that year for the first time in their history, Robertson went on to become a favourite with the fans.

He helped win them promotion back to the top flight in 1978 and again in 1980 and in the latter campaign supplied the cross for Frank Liddell to score a last-gasp winner against Airdrie to give his side the title at the expense of their opponents.

A Hearts spokesperson said: "Naturally, we were tremendous saddened by the death of Malcolm Robertson and our thoughts are with his relatives at this time."