7 wide men Hearts boss Robbie Neilson could target

The new manager has revealed he wants to add to the wide areas in his squad. We take a look at some possible options.
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Sam Nicholson

Robbie Neilson has already admitted that he is keen to speak to the former Hearts winger. One of the most exciting players the club have produced in recent years, able to take defenders on knowing he can go either way such is his ability with both feet. Some fans will think he didn’t quite fulfil his potential at Tynecastle after more than 120 matches in the maroon jersey before heading to the MLS. He did produce some special moments, including a blockbuster of a strike in a 2-1 win over Hibs on the way to winning the Scottish Championship in season 2014/15.

The 25-year-old played 70 times in MLS, first for Minnesota United then for the Colorado Rapids. At the latter he was highly thought of and clearly improved on the physical side of his game, sculpting a much better and robust physique. He would need little time to get up to speed.

Sam Nicholson is a free agent after leaving Colorado Rapids. Picture: GettySam Nicholson is a free agent after leaving Colorado Rapids. Picture: Getty
Sam Nicholson is a free agent after leaving Colorado Rapids. Picture: Getty

Jordan Jones

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“We'll be looking for players in the wide areas that can really eliminate people,” Robbie Neilson said on his unveiling. Any Hearts fans who witnessed Jones in action for Kilmarnock will know the winger fits the bill for what the new manager is looking for.

The Northern Ireland international is contracted to Rangers until 2023 but it is yet clear if he will feature in Steven Gerrard’s plans this season. Coming the end of the 2019/20 campaign, he was one of the players who could well have feared for their future despite only signing last summer. After a red card against Celtic in September he featured just four more times. A loan move away could be on the cards and interest would likely be high.

He would add pace, skill and a goal threat. In his final season with Killie, he recorded the second highest dribbles in the league but didn’t feature in the top 30 crossers.

Jordan Jones may not feature in Steven Gerrard's plans this season. Picture: SNSJordan Jones may not feature in Steven Gerrard's plans this season. Picture: SNS
Jordan Jones may not feature in Steven Gerrard's plans this season. Picture: SNS

Drey Wright

The former St Johnstone is all but set to move to Easter Road. Gazumping Premiership Hibs to secure his signature would be quite the statement, but there is no doubt that Wright possesses that pace in the wide areas Neilson is after.

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The 25-year-old may not put up impressive numbers in terms of goals and assists but he is fantastic at playing on the front foot and taking the game to the opposition, committing full-backs. An injury curtailed his development in his first season at McDiarmid Park but the Perth Saints were keen to keep him for this season.

Duncan Watmore

Bakary Sako would add some fun to the Hearts squad. Picture: GettyBakary Sako would add some fun to the Hearts squad. Picture: Getty
Bakary Sako would add some fun to the Hearts squad. Picture: Getty

At one time, big things were expected of Watmore, only for injury to impede his progress having been picked up by Sunderland after impressing for Altrincham after being released by Manchester United. He had a less than fruitful loan spell at Hibs in 2014 but in the next two years gained significant England U21 representation, while being picked as the best player in the U21 Premier League.

Despite spending seven years at the Stadium of Light he was never able to get a real sustained run of games, playing more than 20 games in a season just once. He is in need of a place to kick-start his career and has similar scampering qualities as Celtic ace James Forrest. He would add pace, directness and possibly even goals.

Steven Lawless

What he may lack in pace, he more than makes up for with experience. The 29-year-old has well over 200 games in the Scottish Premiership and is just off the back of his best goalscoring season since helping Partick Thistle win the second tier in 2013.

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He was excellent for Livingston during the 2019/20 campaign, playing either centrally behind Lyndon Dykes or cutting infield from a wide position. He was one of the most creative players in the league, finishing second for through balls, key passes and smart passes. On top of that, only James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard recorded a higher combined goals and assists figure.

Lawless has left Livingston knowing he could be in line for a good contract. He would certainly be a very useful attacker for Hearts for a couple of seasons.

Bakary Sako

The Malian international would fall into the left-field category of signings, but screams fun. Now 32, he has extensive top-flight experience in France, plus more than 120 games in the top two tiers in England.

Last playing in Cyprus for Pafos, the 32-year-old is a versatile attacker but predominantly a left winger. He has power and poise which is ideal for taking players on, while he has a keen eye for goal. His left foot is a cultured hammer and provides a threat from set pieces. He would get bums off seats.

Marvin Johnson

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This would be an ambitious move. The former Motherwell star returned to England 2016, impressing for Oxford United and Middlesbrough, while playing a bit-part role in Sheffield United’s promotion campaign last season. Johnson recently signed a short-term deal with Boro to play until the end of the season.

He knows what it takes to succeed in Scotland. He is tall, quick, wants to take players on and is keen to shoot. The 29-year-old would add a whole lot of presence to the Hearts team. The issue is two-fold: Wages and interest from elsewhere, most likely in England.