Football I’ve loved my time with Hearts, says City defender Moore
BRISTOL City defender Taylor Moore will leave Hearts following his loan spell and return to Ashton Gate with his future uncertain.
The centre-back has spent the season with the Scottish side but struggled to cement a regular spot in the starting line-up, having made 15 Premiership starts and a further six substitute appearances.
Moore, 24, fell out of favour at City following Nigel Pearson’s appointment in February 2021, dropping out of contention in the squad before his temporary spell away from the club was confirmed last summer.
The player will hope to have one final farewell match as Hearts take on Rangers in the Scottish Cup final this month, but confirmed he will return to Bristol City after enjoying the favourite spell of his career.
He told Edinburgh Evening News: “I’ve learned as much on the pitch as off the pitch about football and about myself. Working under Robbie Neilson has been so eye-opening. The way he says the game tactically has been beneficial.
“We played so many different formations this year. Each and every time we change formation, there is an explanation why, there is a demand of what he wants from players in every single position.
“You see the way the club is run. Joe Savage (sporting director) is doing an incredible job as well. There are some good young players coming through. I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it.
“Going to Ibrox, Celtic Park and Hampden, plus Tynecastle and Easter Road - these are big games. The biggest thing is what it means to people and the passion in Scottish football. It’s been unbelievable.
“I’ve been so proud to be a part of
it. I haven’t played as many games as I wanted to, however this has probably been my favourite experience in football so far. Living in Edinburgh taught me a lot about myself and my relationship with my Mrs - The Boss.
“I’ve had family come up and made some amazing memories. It has been a very special place and somewhere I will always hold close to my heart.”
Last month, Moore revealed how he would hold “serious conversations” with Pearson on where his future lies in BS3, admitting a fresh chapter in his career remains a likely option.
He still has a year left on his contract but it remains unlikely Pearson will perform a U-turn on his decision to integrate Moore as part of his plans going into next season.
Moore said: “Where do I see myself next season? Do Bristol City need me or not? There are a lot of questions.
“Sometimes it’s quite difficult as a player coming towards the end of a season and you don’t know your next step. I’m 25 in May. I’m old enough and ugly enough to understand that sometimes you need to move on and close a chapter.
“I’m very much open to having a conversation with Bristol City to see where things are.”
Pearson recently confirmed in one of his press conferences that he has spoken to Moore regarding his future and there were no assurances that the player will have the opportunity to prove his worth which is likely to end his six-year spell at City. The manager is eager to reduce the wage bill this summer and raise funds to improve his squad both defensively and in midfield. Moore is likely to be up for sale alongside Zak Vyner, while Callum O’Dowda has been told his contract option won’t be exercised with his deal expiring next month.
City could be left short of defenders heading into the summer with Timm Klose and Robbie Cundy yet to commit their futures next season. The club are also being cautious with Nathan Baker’s wellbeing having missed the second half of the season with a serious head injury.
City have been linked with a move for Derby County’s Curtis Davies following their relegation to League One. The 37-year-old is out of contract at the end of June although the Rams are keen to keep him on for another year.