Mitchell back at Tynecastle
Demetri Mitchell has returned to Hearts, claiming that he has unfinished business at the capital club.
The Manchester United full-back was a hit at the Tynecastle club during last season’s loan spell but had his participation curtailed by a knee injury, which sidelined him for ten weeks. But, having agreed to a season-long loan at Gorgie, he intends to make up for lost time and remind
the Hearts supporters why they warmed to him so readily last term.
“It was really good [here last season]. That’s why I’m back again,” he told Hearts TV. “The fans were great, the manager was great with me and that’s the reason I’ve come back. I had a good experience and if I didn’t then I wouldn’t be back here.”
Manager Craig Levein, who in currently in hospital following a health scare, has always made it clear that he would love to welcome back the left-sided wide man but has had to be patient as United ran the rule over him in preseason. Now, after signing a deal that will link him to the Old Trafford club until 2020, he has been sent north to gather more firstteam experience.
Mitchell has kept abreast of the comings and goings at the club as Levein pieced together a revamped squad and is well aware of the bright way they have started the new campaign. It made his decision to return easier, despite the fact that he faces the task of trying to dislodge Australian fullback Ben Garuccio.
“I kind of fell in love with the club,” Mitchell said. “We’re top of the league and I’ve been monitoring how Hearts have been doing since I left, really.”
The fact he is returning to a club where both parties know what they are getting in the transaction, is important. The 21-year-old played nine games before sustaining his knee injury against Ross County but recovered to make another two appearances before the end of the season.
“For me, the manager and Austin [Macphee, assistant manager] made it very clear from day one that I’d be welcome back to come on loan,” Mitchell said. “They made me feel welcome so that was one of the main reasons [for coming back]. The fans have been great with me. Even little things I’ve seen on Twitter, I’ve seen them tagging me and trying to talk to me… I might respond with a like. It’s all fun and games.”
Hearts defender Bobby Burns has gone on loan to Livingston to gain more experience and the teenager could be followed out the door by Ryan Edwards who is wanted by St Mirren on loan.