Former Hearts captain sends emotional farewell message to club as he seeks new challenge in Scotland

Christophe Berra has left his role at Huntsville FC in USA.Christophe Berra has left his role at Huntsville FC in USA.
Christophe Berra has left his role at Huntsville FC in USA. | SNS Group
The 2006 Scottish Cup winner is returning home to be closer to his family

Former Hearts captain Christophe Berra has confirmed that he is leaving his role as interim head coach of Huntsville FC in the United States after just six months.

Berra, who briefly worked as Livingston’s first team coach and with the Scotland U21s, made the move to Alabama to join Huntsville FC in January and believes the move was hugely beneficial to his career, claiming that he has learned a great deal as both a coach and an individual during his time with the third-tier MLS side.

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He also states that he and his family have loved their time in the United States as they made new friends and experienced a brand new culture. However, after just six months Berra believes that is now time for him to leave his post which he will be doing after just one more game.

The 41-time Scotland international shared the news in a posted on Linkedin. It reads: “The past six months have been an incredible experience during which I've grown significantly, both as a coach and as an individual in Huntsville. I've navigated a new landscape and system, which has enriched me and gave me more determination than ever to succeed. 

“This period has been unforgettable for my family and me — making friends, creating memories, and immersing ourselves in a different culture. 

“However, with a new family member on the way, it's best for us to return home to be closer to our loved ones during that period. 

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“We have one more week and game here before heading back and I’m excited to explore what opportunities lie ahead. Thank you Huntsville City FC.”

Berra started his career at Hearts in 2003 and was a member of the team which lifted the Scottish Cup in 2006 against Gretna. Renowned for his leadership skills and his determined defending, he quickly became a fan favourite at Tynecastle and in 2007 became the youngest captain in the top-flight.

After six successful years in Edinburgh, Berra went on to become a hugely respected defender in England. He notably helped win promotion just six months after his move in January 2009 and was a member of the team which survived in the Premier League for three seasons before suffering relegation.

The Scottish international went on to have a successful four year spell at Ipswich between 2013 and 2017 before returning for a second stint at Hearts. He suffered relegation in 2020 but remained a leader behind the scenes as the club returned instantly as Scottish Championship winners.

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Berra spent the final season of his career at Raith Rovers in the Championship before working at Livingston for six months as a coach. 

Berra has previously stated his ambition to one day become a manager in the SPFL. Earlier this year he told the Edinburgh Evening News: "I am always on the lookout for Scottish football, that is my home country and I will come back at some point. Edinburgh is a lovely place and so many fond memories there. It was where I was born and bred. Of course I'd love to be good enough to do that (manage in the SPFL).

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