I’ve hit big time
HEARTS new boy Olly Lee insists he has taken a massive step up by swapping League One in England for the Premiership.
Lee helped Luton Town win promotion into English football’s third tier last season but admits the chance to join the Jambos revolution under Craig Levein was just too good to resist.
He said: “Hearts are a massive club. You are playing in huge games that really matter to a massive city. So it was a no-brainer for me.
“I felt I was ready for a step up and in my opinion this is a big step up and one I’ve been ready for for a couple of years.”
The son of former Newcastle and England star Rob Lee insists he’s his own man and is determined to make a name for himself in the game in his own right. Lee added: “I think sometimes people down south are naive about Scottish football but Hearts are playing in front of 20,000 people every other week. “Without being disrespectful, it’s a lot bigger here than what I’ve come from. “My old man was pushing me towards it as well because he thought it was such a big place to play, in big games and games that really matter to people. “I’m ready to play for a big club. It always helps that I’ve got someone I can turn to for advice.
“He’s been there and done it so in that sense it’s a big advantage for me because any worries I have or any queries I can always ask his opinion on it.
“He could play a bit as well. He likes to remind me of that! If I can be half as good as him then I’ll be all right.
“But I’m my own man. I’m Olly Lee, I’m not Rob Lee’s son. I want to get away from that.
“I’m immensely proud of it but I’m here to show the Hearts fans what I can do – and it’s nothing to do with my dad.”
The 26 year-old midfielder was a guest of the Gorgie club for the derby in May when Hearts beat Hibs 2-1 in the final clash of the season at Tynecastle.
Lee, who was speaking at the opening of the new Hearts clubstore situated inside the new Main Stand at Tynecastle, said: “I spoke to the manager then I came to the Edinburgh derby at the end of the season and I was blown away.
“The passion of the fans was something I’ve not experienced and I was just dying to be on the pitch with the lads that night.
“Luton had a great season and it would have been an easier decision for me to stay.
“But I just thought that this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a chance for me to show everyone what I can do on a stage as big as this.”