Gas target speaks out about future
SAM Nicholson says he would be “willing to listen” to former club Hearts, who are fighting Bristol Rovers for the Scotsman’s signature.
The Daily Press’ sister website Bristol Live reported yesterday that Rovers were leading the race to sign the winger, who is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids last week.
The Gas remain favourites to land the 25-year-old this summer, having made Nicholson a superior contract offer, and the player is happy to move to the Mem.
But he is a boyhood Hearts fan and a return to Tynecastle is appealing, although he told the Scottish Sun he “hasn’t looked too much into it”.
“Hearts is a massive club and I have a special place for Hearts having supported the club and then playing there,” he said. “It would definitely be a good option.
“Robbie (Neilson) is a great manager, we saw that last time. The club managed to qualify for Europe and that hadn’t happened in around ten years. So signing now would be good as it’s a special place and he’s a good coach - his CV speaks for itself in terms of what he’s done in the Scottish league. That would obviously be an option but I haven’t looked too much into it.”
Neilson revealed in his press conference on Monday Hearts are keen to entice Nicholson back to Edinburgh after quitting Tynecastle Park for the MLS in 2017.
Talks are understood to have taken place on Tuesday, with Hearts’ offer coming short of the contract Rovers have tabled.
It remains to be seen if Hearts will up their offer, and Nicholson - who is expected to make a decision in the next 10 days - insists the onus is on the Edinburgh club if they want to sign him.
“I’m not going to beg any team but if they want me, and they think I could do well, then I’d be willing to listen”, he continued. “Hearts have their own problems off the pitch so I’d imagine they’ve got that to sort out before anything else.Regardless of what happens I’ll always wish Hearts all the best.”
Rovers have already been busy this summer as Ben Garner plots an overhaul of his squad. Deals for Josh Grant, Jack Baldwin and Max Ehmer are close to completion, and that promises to be just the beginning of the signings.
Garner is believed to have a “massive shopping list”, with winger one of the top priorities. Alex Rodman is the squad’s only senior recognised winger, and if Rovers bid to sign Nicholson succeeds it will a big boost to Garner’s resources ahead of the new season.