Banks tips Jambos to be ‘third force’ in Scotland

Steve Banks has tipped Robbie Neilson to have Hearts fans celebrating again – by making them the “third force” in Scottish Football.

Banks believes his former Jambos team-mate is the ideal appointment for the Tynecastle club despite a minority of supporters unveiling a “Neilson Out” banner just 24 hours after Sunday’s dramatic return to Edinburgh.

The 40-year-old left Premiership new boys Dundee United in favour of a move back to the Hearts hot seat having led them to the Championship title in 2015 as well as winning the Scottish Cup as a player back in 2006.

Neilson left Hearts when they were second top of the Premiership for MK Dons in 2016, which left a bitter taste in some supporters’ months.

But Banks is backing the new manager to lift them out of the doldrums by establishing them as the third strongest side in the country.

Banks, now goal-keeping coach at Blackpool, said: “It’s a great move for Robbie.

“I spoke with him on Sunday night just after the deal had been done. You could tell he was buzzing. “We had a good chat. Obviously, he’s got plans for the club and they’ll have ambitions as well to get them back to where they belong.

“I’m sure once he gets Hearts out of the Championship he’ll kick them on even further in the Premiership.

“I can honestly see Robbie making them the third force again in Scottish Football.

“For me, Hearts are the third biggest club in Scotland behind Celtic and Rangers. That’s how I remember it from my time in Scotland and that’s how the Hearts fan will see it.

“Robbie had them second top just before he left for MK Dons so he’ll be aiming high this time round.

“If he can get back to those heights, then the fans and everyone associated with Hearts won’t have anything to complain about.”

Former Tannadice keeper Banks knows Neilson’s move might have come as a shock to some, but insists ex-st Johnstone gaffer Tommy Wright would be his ideal successor on Tayside.

He added: “I worked with Tommy at Saints. He’s a first-class manager.

“He would be a good fit for United. He’s won silverware before which is the big thing for any manager.”

Picture: SNS. Former Tannadice goalkeeper Steve Banks.