Thomas: They’re still in my Heart

THOMAS FLOGEL was amazed to discover Robbie Neilson was the new manager at Hearts.

But he hopes his former Tynecastle team-mate can prove to be an inspired appointment by his former club.

Flogel is back home in Austria working as a youth coach at fourth division side Young Style Wienerberg.

He said: “It’s a surprise to learn that Robbie is the new coach of Hearts – things have moved very fast for him!

“I remember him as a boy, coming up through the ranks at Hearts and it really does not feel like so long ago.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for a young coach and I just hope it’s not too hard for him. It’s a big deal to get a shot at managing so young – to do so at a big club is another thing altogether.

“Hearts have had a lot of problems over the last few years and, hopefully, things are now starting to get better but it’s a big challenge to get the team promoted again at the first attempt.

“Perhaps they will need to stay in the First Division for a year or two, but I hope Robbie can get them promoted quicker.”

Flogel is now trying to make his way in coaching and management but remains in touch with what is going on at Hearts via former team- mate Stephen Pressley.

And he added: “I’m doing the badges with a view to progressing into management but it’s fair to say Robbie is progressing a lot quicker than me.

“I keep up to date with the Hearts results and occasionally I will speak to Elvis on the phone. I still feel like Hearts is my club – it’s in my heart.”

Thomas Flogel.