Neilson returns... ‘you don’t turn down club like Hearts’
● Budge clinches deal to bring United boss back to Tynecastle on a three-year contract
Hearts have finalised Robbie Neilson’s return as manager on a three-year contract.
Dundee United will receive compensation from the Edinburgh club, with Neilson declaring he could not turn down the chance to return to Tynecastle Park.
“You don’t turn down the chance to come to a club like
Hearts and I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back,” he told the Hearts website. “I had some great experiences here, both as a player and manager, and I’m keen to pick up where I left off.
“Everyone knows there is a really good squad at Hearts and I’m excited to begin working with the players and staff.
“Finally, I’d like to say thank you to Dundee United for the opportunity they gave me two years ago. I hope the United fans feel that together we managed to restore the club back to where it belongs.”
A Hearts statement read: “Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to announce that we have this evening agreed terms with all relevant parties for the return of Robbie Neilson as manager. The 40-year-old rejoins the Jambos on a three-year-deal after compensation was agreed with Dundee United.
“A trophy winner in spells as both a player and head coach at Hearts, the former Scotland cap needs no introduction to anyone of a maroon persuasion.
“Robbie spent nine years playing in Gorgie, where he won the Scottish Cup, helped the Jam Tarts to second place in the league and the Champions League qualifying berth that went with it, and scored a memorable Uefa Cup winner in Basle.
“He took over the club’s managerial reins in 2014 and immediately took the boys in maroon back to the top flight with a record-breaking Championship-winning campaign.
“A third-place Premiership finish followed the season after, and a return to European football, before Robbie moved down south to join MK Dons in 2018, returning to Scotland with Dundee United later that same year.
“He led United to the Championship title last season before deciding to come back home to Tynecastle.”
Daniel Stendel, the Hearts manager last season, was out of contract following the