Ludek Straceny (a 28 year-old Czech striker with two caps) and Martin Petras (26 year-old Slovakian defender with 11 caps) have officially signed for FBK Kaunas and have been loaned out to Hearts.
French goalkeeper Rais M’Bohli, released by Marseille, has been snapped up after an impressive trial period. However at just 19, M’Bohli is unlikely to be appearing in the first team any time soon, with Assistant Coach John McGlynn emphasising this point:
McGlynn: ‘He’s one for the future and not likely to put any immediate pressure on Craig Gordon and Steve Banks yet’.
Head coach Graham Rix is clearly delighted about being able to add so much depth to his squad in such a short space of time and thanked club owner Vladimir Romanov for his support.
Rix: ‘Mr Romanov deserves a pat on the back, he has stuck his neck out. He deserves credit because, although he does get criticism, he has put his money where his mouth is.’ He went on to say that ‘to get this quality, it shows where the club is moving and the ambition of the club’.
I would tend to agree, especially if new SPL legislation dictates that those clubs with the most wingers at their disposal gain extra points at the end of the season!
Hearts have also added Jim Duffy to their coaching staff. Duffy has been linked with such a move ever since Graham Rix became Head Coach, the two having worked together at Chelsea and Dundee. The fact that he’s a former Hibs manager will no doubt annoy some Hearts fans but along with Rix, Duffy is a highly respected coach in the game and this move should be seen as another positive one by the club.
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