Edinburgh derby
GMS happy to ditch Manhattan glamour
Gary Mackay-steven has no regrets about swapping movie-star-spotting in Manhattan to being the centre of attention in Edinburgh.
The chance to take part in occasions like today’s derby against Hibs at Tynecastle influenced the Hearts winger’s decision to leave the USA and return to Scotland.
He spent a season with New York City FC ,and had options to stay in the States when the club decided not take up a contract option.
So a few eyebrows were raised when the 31-year-old opted to become part of the Jambos’ squad that was aiming to win promotion from the Championship.
It meant leaving a life with a splash of glamour, where footballers live in relative anonymity, but the upside, according to the player, is being back in a country where there’s a never-ending passion for football.
GMS said: “There are a lot of big games here, and they don’t come bigger than the Edinburgh derby. I can’t wait to experience it for myself.
“It will be different. The build-up to derby games is bigger, and you notice it around the city. It means so much and, for us as players, they’re the games you look forward to.
“I played in the New York derby against the Red Bulls. It’s a big game, too, and is special for the two sets of fans.
“But I’d say the derby atmosphere is better here in Scotland. It is something you feel in the city.
“New York is a bigger place, so it’s a little bit different. Everyone is talking about the game here, whereas there that’s not so much the case.
“I definitely came back for occasions like this. It was different in a lot of ways over there, but I did miss Scottish atmospheres.”
Top footballers in this country are used to being asked for photographs, autographs and getting encouragement from supporters on a daily basis.
Life in the Big Apple threw up different experiences for Mackay-steven.
He went on: “Very rarely did I get recognised. You would see big, big stars that would get no bother as well.
“I liked it, but it’s cool being here and seeing how much football means.
“There were a lot of reality stars out there, but the actor Hugh Jackman was maybe the biggest star I saw.
“The Kardashians are big, too, and shops would be closed to allow them to go shopping.
“In restaurants, you’d see famous people and they got no bother, which was amazing for them.
“In Scotland, people aren’t afraid to say things, or pass comments. That’s what a derby should be about as it means so much to the fans. “The game is really meaningful to people. You have to embrace that, and hopefully do well for them.” Although pleased to be back home, Mackay-steven talks warmly about the way football is growing in America.
He believes US imports – Christian Ramirez at Aberdeen and Chris Mueller, expected to join Hibs at the start of 2022 – will enhance the Premiership.
“There were boys in my team asking me about the Scottish league,” he said. “It’s a really strong league we have now, with a lot of top players.
“It’s just different for the Americans, a different experience for them. But I feel they will add to what we already have.” Mackay-steven’s career has included stints with Dundee United, Celtic and Aberdeen, but only two Scotland caps. He prefers to keep looking forward, and believes there’s a bright future with the Jambos. “I don’t really look back,” he said. “I’ve achieved a lot, but I still want to have my best moments ahead of me. “I want to do well in a Hearts shirt. I don’t dwell on what’s happened in the past. “When I’m finished, I’ll look back on different things. But right now, I’m excited for this season.”