Blair Spittal lifts lid on Hearts transfer from Motherwell and the Premiership rivals he held talks with.

Blair Spittal was one of Hearts’ pre-contract signings from Premiership opponents last year.

And, like fellow newcomer James Penrice, he has been a standout this season, leading the team in scoring with six goals. Since Neil Critchley took over as manager, the pair has worked effectively together down the left side, and Michael Stewart has questioned why Spittal and Penrice did not play together under Steven Naismith. The Jambos have improved since their problems under their last management, and Critchley has been considered for manager of the year if they maintain their present form. Spittal, who signed on free from Motherwell last year, will play a key role in this.

Naismith was able to secure a pre-contract with the Steelmen, which was a clear plan given that they had already signed Yan Dhanda from Ross County and Penrice from Livingston. The 29-year-old had been in excellent form at Fir Park and would have had plenty of alternatives, but he has now spoken out about how he came to join Hearts.

Spittal on Hearts move and St Mirren interest

Prior to his departure to Gorgie, there were speculations that an agreement had been reached with St Mirren. That was not the case, although Spittal has admitted to having talks with the Buddies. But with Naismith’s method, there was only one place he could wind up. When asked on Open Goal if there were any other teams interested in him, he answered, “To be fair, there were a few in January.” I chatted with St. Mirren at the time. There was a lot on social media that I claimed to have signed, but I hadn’t. “But it was about February that I chatted with Steven Naismith.Once I knew they were coming in, the size of club, it was a no-brainer for me.”

Spittal was also asked if he was surprised by the size of the club after he went in there, but insisted: “Not really, I’ve played against them enough times in the past at Tynecastle, it’s an amazing stadium. It’s an amazing opportunity for me.”

Spittal feels responsibility for Naismith Hearts sacking

Hearts struggled early this season, and Naismith was fired while the club sat at the bottom of the Premiership table. Spittal felt responsible for his dismissal because he was one of his major signings this summer. When asked if it was tough to see the manager who signed him lose his job, he responded, “I guess so. Because the team was soaring last year, finishing third, reaching the cup semi-finals, and qualifying for Europe. “Then you come in, and the manager loses his job; you feel partially responsible. “I had the similar experience at Motherwell with Graham Alexander; a few games and he was fired. So it’s not wonderful; the worst sensation.

“When you’re not winning games and chopping and rearranging the team, trying to find the right formula, it doesn’t always succeed. “But it’s all about now and we’ve managed to pick up.”

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