Exclusive: Stuart Findlay reveals why he rejected a Hearts transfer & names SPFL’s third force after Celtic & Rangers.
The EFL loan player has Scottish and international ambitions. This could have happened years ago. Stuart Findlay scored goals in maroon for Hearts in the League Cup group phase.
It would have gone smoothly except for those pesky Americans at Philadelphia Union. After turning down a move to Tynecastle Park in 2021 in favour of the United States, Findlay is eager to seize this opportunity under Derek McInnes.
After leading the Edinburgh club back to the Premiership four years ago, former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson made the defender his top signing target. With Covid 19 gradually subsiding, there was a sense of desperation across the country to return to normal.Normality for Hearts is top-flight football with physically dominant centre-backs, which explains Neilson’s offer to sign Findlay after he left Kilmarnock. The player chose The Union over The Gorgie because he wanted a different football and lifestyle experience. He received one, but not the other.
When McInnes moved to Tynecastle in May of this year, he wanted to bring his former Kilmarnock loanee with him, and Findlay was not about to pass up another chance. He quickly agreed to another loan with Oxford United and made his Hearts debut with a goal in Tuesday’s 4-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over Hamilton Academical.
He explained in an exclusive Edinburgh News interview why he turned down Hearts’ advances at a critical juncture in his career four years ago. “Yes, it was a sliding doors moment for me when I could have joined Hearts,” said the 29-year-old. “I believe that the opportunity to travel abroad was one that I may never have had again. Football-wise, it may not have been the best decision for me, but it was a valuable life experience that I am glad I had.
“Coming to Hearts, you’re probably going to be expected to play on the front foot and win a lot more games.
I thought I’d try to show that when I’m stepping in with the ball, that I also have that side to my game that people may not be aware of. I don’t think I could have written the first game better. A 4-0 victory, a clean sheet, and a goal made for an excellent debut for me.” Findlay’s back-post header from a corner kick was the perfect opening gambit after missing Saturday’s win over Dunfermline due to suspension.
“I didn’t score a goal in the last season, and it’s something that probably annoyed me,” he said. “I want to add goals to my game, so scoring one five minutes into my debut is always a good feeling.
It’s something we’ve been working on with Ross [Grant, set-piece coach]. “It’s something we’re trying to make the most of, and scoring a goal from it was very satisfying. I believe you know you’re in for a difficult game because Hamilton isn’t a bad team at all. Getting an early goal from a set-piece really gets you going, and I thought the rest of the performance was very professional.”
Anyone expecting regular net-rippling from this loanee should proceed with caution, however. He doesn’t score very often and is concerned that he has given new teammates the wrong impression. “After that, they are probably going to think I’m a goal threat,” Findlay laughed. “I am not sure how many I will add to it, but it is a good thing to have.
You can score goals as a centre-back. “Is it correct to say that Hearts did not score enough from set-plays last year? Getting one this early should help us get off to a good start and add something new to the game.
You know how good Craig [Halkett] can be on the headers, you know how good big Frankie [Kent] can be commanding in between us. I think we need to try and get as many goals as we can, and add to what we’re going to get at the top end of the field.”
EFL loan player eyes more Scotland caps playing in SPFL
Add Michael Steinwender and Jamie McCart, and Findlay faces stiff competition for a regular spot. He understands that in order to maintain his position, his form must be consistent.
“Definitely. In my opinion, all four who played on Tuesday night are starting-caliber centre-backs for any Premier League side, possibly outside of the Old Firm,” he said. “It will undoubtedly be a difficult competition, but I believe we all have a very positive, healthy relationship.
“On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to play with three of the center-backs, and I believe that all four of us bring unique qualities. I believe it is critical to have options, as well as depth of strength. Don’t forget Jamie, who is clearly injured at the moment.
I believe that this type of competition can only lead to success. We can only bring the best out of each other. When you are given the go-ahead to start, make an effort to maintain your position.
I believe this will be true not only at centre-back, but throughout the pitch. We have such a large squad. I believe everyone will be fighting for a position that can only keep standards high. “You don’t realise how big a club Hearts is until you sign for them.
They are, in my opinion, the largest team in the country, aside from Celtic and Rangers. You know the expectations and demand will be high, but that’s something I enjoy challenging myself with.
I want to repay the manager and impress the fans. Finally, I want Hearts to have a successful season, which begins with getting through this cup. Then we look forward to the Aberdeen game to begin the league.”
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