We asked for your views on Lawrence Shankland’s exit and what Hearts need to do now.
Here’s what some of you said:
Jock: Not a surprise although disappointing. We must focus on the future – Champions League, a successful fans owned club who are the envy of the world, and an executive, with the support of Jamestown, that have already proved we are capable of doing something special. Don’t be surprised to see Shankland back in a couple of years.
James: What a week. A large hole to be filled. We absolutely need a proven goalscorer to raise the bar, not a project type player. Over to you Hearts. The majority shareholders [fans] need a full explanation as to why this was initially announced as a three-year contract. Minimum standard of Bojan Miovski or Tawanda Maswanhise required.
Jim: I wish Shankland well, he gave me and lots of other Hearts fans many, many moments of joy over his four seasons. I, like many others, knew he was a lifelong Rangers fan so it comes as no surprise he has got what he wanted. Hearts will hope that Jamestown Analytics will uncover another striking gem to fill Shankland’s boots. Is it possible James Wilson will return from Spurs to lead the line next season? He has the potential. Or will our North Macedonian league signing Rogers Mato emerge from the shadows and take the league by storm? Whatever happens I feel Hearts will challenge again next season and maybe go one better.
Campbell: The loss of Shankland to a competitor is massive but we have to turn the problem into an opportunity. Hearts are playing in Europe and have a great squad. We need to add a couple of strikers and hope they can be as prolific as Shanks.
Callum: It’s 43 years since I felt the bottomless pit in my stomach on hearing the rumours regarding Shankland. Back then it was the announcement by my stunning girlfriend, Ailsa, that she was breaking up our 15-month relationship to see someone else. Time heals and we will find an even better replacement. We are in the very early days of JTA and it was always going to take two to three years to transition to an “approved squad”. I trust JTA and so the impact will be short before we are back to winning the league title again.
Francis: Thought we were progressing and building something for the future, it would appear that we are still a feeder club.
David: Absolutely gutted but at the end of the day you have to be grateful to Shanks for all he has done for the club. It must have been extremely difficult for him when all the previous rumours about him going to Rangers came to nothing. It’s what he has obviously always wanted so best of luck to him. Up to somebody else to step up now. Onwards and upwards.
Gary: Hearts must, and will, recover after losing Shankland. We will probably change our style and it may be a case of one step backwards two to go forward. Tony Bloom has been galvanised, Jamestown will provide talent, this project has just started.
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