Stadium Plan B is an option for Hearts
CRAIG LEVEIN is hopeful that Hearts remain on track for their long-awaited return to Tynecastle — but he admits the club hierarchy have drawn up a Plan B if building work on their new stand runs over again.
The Gorgie outfit plan to unveil their new £12million structure when they host Kilmarnock in the Premiership on November 5.
But the completion date has already been put back once before from early September, forcing the club to stage three home games at Murrayfield — including tomorrow’s match with St Johnstone.
And now manager Levein has revealed that owner Ann Budge has put contingency measures in place in case of further delays.
He said: ‘Ann is determined to get the Kilmarnock game at Tynecastle and, when she’s determined about something, it usually happens.
‘Everybody is working to get the place ready. We don’t need the place to be finished, we just need it ready to put a game on, so I’m hopeful.
‘There is a Plan B but I haven’t been party to those discussions yet. I believe Murrayfield is an option.’
Meanwhile, Levein says he has no plans to re-open contract talks with Hearts attacker Jamie Walker any time soon.
The winger knocked back the club’s offer of an improved deal earlier this year and could leave for free when his current deal expires next summer.
Rangers are keeping tabs on the 24-year-old after missing out on him before last month’s transfer deadline.
However, with Walker back in form after netting in last week’s 2-1 victory over Ross County in Dingwall, Levein is comfortable with the status quo.
‘It’s been difficult with all the things going on around him and I understand and appreciate that,’ said the Hearts manager.
‘But once the transfer window closed, there was a change to his mindset and that has helped.
‘He’s done everything that I’ve asked of him. His numbers that we get from the GPS stuff are excellent — as good as they’ve ever been. I just want him to keep that going. ‘I’ve not even approached (his contract situation), though. Right now I’m focusing on making sure that we are resilient and hard to beat, and from there we can pick up points and progress up the league.
‘Everything else is secondary. I don’t feel the need to do anything there now. Jamie’s in a good place and, as long as he stays in that good place, I’m happy just to see what happens.’
Elsewhere, Hearts captain Christophe Berra hopes his moaning will help John Souttar realise his potential.
Berra said: ‘He’s done really well and he’s progressing. He’ll still have ups and downs but he’s a good lad and has a good head.
‘He wants to do well in his career. He’s got all the attributes. Mentally and physically he’s got it as well, it’s just maybe about getting that concentration. I always moan at him, but I’m just making sure he’s switched on.’