Hearts fans were delighted when Zander Clark signed a new contract. And so was he, it seems.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper has had to be patient as number two to Craig Gordon for most of this season and with his contract due to run out in the summer, his future was far from clear.
That was especially the case when it emerged rivals Hibs were eyeing a swoop for Clark on a pre-contract as they target a new keeper for next season.
Hibees boss David Gray addressed those links but there was silence around Tynecastle on it.
However, it was felt the former St Johnstone man might move on due to his playing time frustrations, whether that be to Easter Road or somewhere else.
So when the Jambos announced a new two-year deal for him, it came as a surprise. And Hearts fans lapped it up, claiming victory over Hibs.
Manager Neil Critchley has been advised he should make Clark his number one for next season but for now he can enjoy having two top quality goalies at his disposal.
Clark speaks on new Hearts deal
Clark has now had the chance to speak about his new contract for the first time.
He insists there was no hesitancy in signing despite the lack of playing and some comments on social media and says he had it signed within a week of being offered.
His goal is now to get back in the team.
Speaking in the Hearts match programme for the weekend’s win over Kilmarnock, he said: “I’m delighted to get it done. I spoke about it for long enough, but when the contract got offered it was done and dusted within the week, so l’m pleased to get it done, get a bit of security, and try and kick on from here.
“It’s been brilliant at Hearts; it’s a massive club to be involved in. European group stages this season, qualifying for Europe, it’s been an enjoyable time, so obviously when the club wanted to extend my deal it was a no-brainer, although some on social media might have said otherwise.
“It’s obviously frustrating not being in the squad this season but that’s part of goalkeeping. Only one of us can play the position, so you need to knuckle down and that’s when you need to work your hardest to try and get back in this team, so obviously committed to my future and it starts again in terms of trying to get back in.”
Clark stays a positive influence
Despite being on the fringes and not really playing, Clark has always tried to remain a positive influence on his teammates.
He knows anything else wouldn’t he helpful.
“It’s something I always try and be if I’m not playing,” he added.
“Obviously you’re disappointed, but there’s no point in moping and moaning. It helps nobody. It doesn’t help me. It doesn’t help the team. You can be disappointed internally, but on the external side I always try and be bubbly about the place and try and keep spirits high.
“Obviously we were in a tough moment early in the season and it’s easy to feel down. Games were coming quick and fast. It’s just how I am as a person. I like to try and keep everybody’s spirits high, but if I can help other people, like l say, it doesn’t do any favours if I’m moping and moaning, so that’s just how I’ve always been.
“I think you can speak to any goalkeeper that’s not playing around the world, they’ll not be happy that they’re not playing, but you understand that that’s the position you’re in, so you just need to make sure that when your time comes around that you’re ready to go.
“Touching back on that, if you’re moping and moaning a bit, and that moment comes and you’re not ready for it, then the heat is on you. You’ve got to keep your mood and your attitude and your application to anything you do at the top of your level, and probably even more so when you’re not playing.
“You never know when that moment’s going to come, and you need to make sure you’re ready, because you’re the last line and you’ve got 10 other boys that are wanting you to maybe dig them out a hole, or vice versa. You need to have that sort of belief, trust, and camaraderle between the squad. That you’ll trust them, that they can do their job, and they’re going to trust you to come in and do yours.“