Harry Milne has joked that he hopes not to end up in the fans’ bad books after signing for Hearts.
The left-back made a deadline day switch from Championship side Partick Thistle to the Jambos on a one-and-a-half year contract.
Milne excelled for the Jags and was identified by Hearts as the perfect back-up to first choice left-back James Penrice.
The 28-year-old from Aberdeen started his semi-professional career with Cove Rangers and went on to spend seven years with the club.
He made 113 appearances at the Balmoral Stadium side before earning a move to Partick Thistle in 2022 and came to close to winning promotion to the Premiership.
Harry Milne’s first Hearts words
Milne is now a Hearts player having worked his way up the leagues and actually admits at one point that he did not want to go full-time.
Giving his first words as a Jambo to Hearts TV, Milne said: “I didn’t really want to go full-time for a long time. When I was doing my degree, I thought I could get a good job and make a good part-time wage.
“But then I kind of fell back in love with football and I’ve worked hard to where I’ve got to. I’m the kind of player who takes nothing for granted.
“I know where I’ve come from in the Highland League and worked my way up. But I’ve got here by listening to my coaches and more experienced pros, taking advice, not making the same mistakes again.
“I feel like I deserve to be where I am. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to do this and I’m just buzzing it has finally come to fruition.”
Milne was then asked how much he is looking forward to calling Tynecastle his home, before replying that he hopes to be in the crowd’s good books.
He continued: “I’m absolutely buzzing. Hoping to be on the end of some nice words rather than some bad words from the fans!
“That’s the kind of player I am. I’ve fell in love with the fact that the fans are so close to all the players and the stands look steep and it looks like a bit of a cauldron – it’s an amazing stadium to play in.
“The fact I’ll get to play there every second week is just amazing to me and I just can’t wait.”
Kris Doolan’s goodbye to Harry Milne
Speaking to the official Partick Thistle website upon Milne’s departure, manager Kris Doolan gave him the big send-off and said the club could not deny him the opportunity to sign for Hearts.
Doolan said: “On a personal basis I wish Harry all the best as he has been a great professional here every day. He has been great to work with and is a big acquisition for Hearts.
“He will benefit their squad, and he deserves to do well there as he puts so much into training and games.”
“His commitment has seen his career move in the right direction and we could not stand in his way. The club had to negotiate an offer, and everything has been done amicably.”