Source: PA
Webster joy at return
Andy Webster has vowed to take Hearts into Europe after returning to the club he left under rancorous circumstances almost five years ago.
Webster walked out on Hearts to join Wigan in 2006 in a pioneering use of newly-introduced FIFA transfer rules, sparking a legal battle which went all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
He has now thanked Tynecastle chiefs for taking him back and told Hearts fans his decision to snub several other teams to return to Tynecastle proves his feeling for the club.
The former Hearts captain signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after securing his release from an unhappy spell with Rangers on Monday.
He rejected clubs in England and Scotland - including Hibernian, whose manager Colin Calderwood admitted holding talks with the player - and now hopes to play his part in steering Hearts into European competition next season.
Webster told Hearts News: "I am delighted to have rejoined Hearts and am very grateful to the manager and owners for giving me the chance to return to a club that means a lot to me. A lot was written at the time I left and the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, but the fact I have returned to a club which means so much to me - particularly when there were opportunities at other clubs - says everything I need to say on my return. Now my entire focus is on the future and helping Hearts secure European football."
