After Clark’s ‘long summer’, he’s glad to now be a Jambo
Zander Clark’s weeks in the wilderness were ended when he put pen to paper with Hearts on Friday.
The Scotland squad member ended a near decade-long association with St Johnstone at the end of last season when his contract came to an end.
He departed McDiarmid Park an alltime club great after helping the Saints men to an unprecedented Scottish and League Cup double last year.
But the anticipated move to another club never came until Jambos boss, Robbie Neilson, made his move.
Clark says the chance to work with Hearts’ “tight-knit” goalkeeping group – including Scotland No. 1, Craig Gordon – excites him, after agreeing a threeyear-deal at Tynecastle.
He will now compete with Gordon and Ross Stewart for the starting spot between the posts, and there is also the possibility of game time in the Europa Conference League in the coming weeks.
The 30-year-old, who has also spent time with Elgin City and Queen of the South, said: “As a goalkeeper, you’re always aware that only one can play. We all know that.
“But the groups of keepers are always tight-knit. I’m definitely looking forward to getting in and training again with Craigy, who I know from Scotland camps, and with Cheesy as well, who I’ve come up against in the past.
“I’m looking forward to getting in the building and getting started with the boys. I’m really excited to be working with the outfielders as well.
“We have a great squad at Hearts, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
After a summer of speculation about where his next challenge would be, Clark revealed the prospect of joining Hearts intrigued him.
And he admitted his weeks without a club had concerned him.
“Yes, it’s been a long summer for myself on a personal level,” he said. “So I’m just delighted to get this one done in the end.
“I’m really looking forward to getting in and getting started.
“You don’t need to describe Hearts to anybody. Everyone knows how big a club it is, so to be part of it now is an incredible feeling. It’s an exciting time for me.”