Alex Cochrane has revealed David Weir's role in securing his permanent return to Hearts.
Robbie Neilson snapped up the defender on loan from Brighton last season and he played a major part in the Jambos' success on the park. They finished third behind Celtic and Rangers in the Premiership standings and reached the Scottish Cup Final in a memorable season. They've been rewarded with guaranteed European group stage football as the buzz around the new campaign gathers pace at Tynecastle.
Hearts have been busy in the transfer market to date with Neilson making it clear he wanted to increase his squad size whilst adding more quality to his pool. He has already snapped up Alan Forrest, Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson and Jorge Grant this summer with Cochrane also now in the building on a full-time basis.
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More bodies are expected to arrive with attacking options on the agenda with the likes of Lawrence Shankland linked with a reunion with Neilson whilst Ellis Simms is another who Hearts would like back after an impressive loan stint from Everton.
But after penning his long-term stay in Gorgie, the 22-year-old opened up on how he was obliged to put pen to paper on an extension - but ex-Rangers man Weir gave him assurances that he would not stand in the way should the right move come up.
He told the Daily Record: "I spoke to Brighton at the back end of the season.
“There was a contract I had to sign, but I spoke to David Weir and he said if the right move comes along, I could leave. I'm thankful for what they've done for me over the last couple of years and I wish them all the best.
“It definitely made it a lot easier, knowing the city and knowing the league. Maybe if I didn't have the loan and that experience, I could have potentially gone elsewhere. But last year was great and I'm happy to be back here.
"Last season. David Weir steered me towards Hearts. He told me what the football would be like, what the club was like and that made my mind up to come here last season. After being here for a season, I knew what it was all about.
"He just wished me all the best and asked me for my opinion on what I wanted and what my preferences were. He's helped me a lot."
English Championship clubs were showing a keen interest in Cochrane but his heart was set on a return to Tynecastle after Neilson made his intentions clear last season.
He added: "I always knew Hearts were interested.
“I had a conversation with the gaffer at the tail end of last season and he said the club wanted to sign me. I had a bit of time to myself on holiday, came back and more or less straight away, talks were happening and an offer got put in.
"For me it was a quick decision. It was a no-brainer to come back here and build on what we did last season. We're in Europe as well, which is going to be a hard test but a great experience against teams capable of doing great things. It was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.
“There were a few [clubs interested], yeah. It was just interest and although conversations happened, it was nothing too full on.”
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