After signing a pre-contract agreement in July 2018, David Vanecek’s long awaited arrival in Gorgie was confirmed this week. The former Teplice striker joins the Jambos on an 18 month deal.
It may be a cold time of year at winter, but the 27 year-old will be feeling the heat from the Tynecastle crowd. Their ultimate dream being that he can emulate fellow countryman, and club legend, Rudi Skacel.
Pressure will be placed on the big Czech’s shoulders straight away. It’s every right to be. Of all the sides currently occupying places in the top six, only St Johnstone have scored less league goals (25) than Hearts (26). Bear in mind, although it may be against Celtic, Saints have a game in hand.
When you consider the start that Craig Levein’s side got off to, you realise how badly they’ve struggled in front of goal in recent weeks. A key reason as to why was the injury that Uche Ikpeazu suffered. 6ft 4in Vanecek looks as though he’s a like-for-like replacement.
The trio of both Stevens (Naismith and Maclean) and the previously mentioned Ikpeazu, worked really well in tandem with one another throughout Hearts’ super start to the season. Vanecek must find chemistry with his new teammates straight away.
Particularly if the capital club are to have any form of success this season. Or recapture their stunning form at the beginning of the campaign, winnning six of their opening seven league games.
Hearts are expected to compete for Europe. If they’re able to get their new striker firing straight away, there’s no reason why they can’t do so.