The Scottish Premiership welcomes players from all over the world, and while so go on to become world-class stars, others fail to live up to the expectation previously set for them. Playing on the Scottish shores can be a completely different kettle of fish than anywhere else with current Hearts’ star Calem Nieuwenhof recently detailing how much more physical the play is here compared to his home down under.
Many who have signed for the Jambos have gone on to shine under these conditions but there are even more who have struggled with this skill set and failed to impress when their boss required. This does not, of course, mean the upcoming list of players who didn’t work out at Hearts are bad players. In fact, in most cases it is far from it. But Gorgie has not worked out for everyone, for whatever reason, and here are 25 of those such players who couldn’t quite get it together for the Jambos.
13. Ashley Smith-Brown
Another full-back. The Manchester City loanee was so injury-prone he was barely seen. Photo: SNS Group Rob Casey
14. Danny Amankwaa
Previously played in the Champions League but had struggled with injury issues and never looked properly fit in a Hearts shirt. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
15. David Vanecek
Hyped up by both the club and the player himself, his Hearts career was derailed before it even started as he used his time off between jobs to (according to the club) go partying in Thailand. Looked sluggish in his few appearances and was promptly shipped off in the summer. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
16. Joel Pereira
Could have had Zdenek Zlamal and Colin Doyle on this list too, but at least they had their moments. Pereira had no such moments. A goalkeeper who struggled to save shots. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group