No doubt Hearts fans everywhere were delighted when the club announced the long-awaited signing of Steven Naismith on Thursday.
After spending two loan spells at Tynecastle, the striker has finally signed a permanent deal with the club. It is just the boost Hearts need before the start of the Premiership season.
Lengthy deal for a player that is 32
However, one interesting aspect of the deal is the length of the contract. Naismith’s deal is for four years. That is a lengthy deal for a player who is 32. Perhaps it indicates that the player will eventually transition into a coaching role.
If that happens, it won’t be for a while, as Evening News reporter Barry Anderson revealed on Twitter that the contract does not have a coaching role included.
However, the fact that Anderson wouldn’t be surprised if Naismith eventually gets a coaching role with Hearts may be telling.
For the moment it is all about playing
At the moment though, the player seems to be only focusing on playing. If he can keep fit, he will be a hugely valuable addition to the Hearts squad over the next four years.
He must feel that he will be able to play at a high standard in his 30s. Injuries may be the factor that decides that, but as long as Naismith stays fit he will have something to offer Hearts. Perhaps that is why he is not interested in coaching at the moment.