Ex Hearts boss makes transfer move for ace after Gorgie departure as he's put in his quickest ever category
The former Hearts manager has made a move for a player most recently of the Jambos.
A former Hearts manager has made a move to sign a player after his exit from Tynecastle.
Lewis Neilson left the Jambos as a free agent at the end of the 25/26 Premiership season. He joined in 2022 from Dundee United and spent his final season at Hearts on loan with ex-Gorgie gaffer John McGlynn’s Falkirk. Neilson played his part in an impressive top six finish and now makes a permanent return on a two-year deal.
Over four years, the 23-year-old made 23 appearances for Hearts, featuring on 24 occasions across the last term at Falkirk. McGlynn - who was in charge at Tynecastle between 2012-2013 after previous coaching stints with Hearts- says Neilson is one of the quickest-ever defenders he’s worked with and couldn’t wait to sign him again.
Who has Lewis Neilson signed for?
He said: “Everyone knows Lewis, with him spending last season here on loan. At 23, he’s the perfect age, and we know he has a little bit of improving to do, but the raw material is there. He’s one of the quickest centre-backs I’ve ever worked with and he’s good on the ball.
“There’s still some fine-tuning to be done with Lewis but, overall, he’s a very good professional and he’s a joy to work with. I think he’s got a good career ahead of him and we want to try and make the most of that and get him playing at the top of his game, which is something we’re looking forward to.”
A club statement adds: “Falkirk Football Club is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Lewis Neilson following the expiry of his contract with Heart of Midlothian. Lewis put pen to paper on a two-year deal that keeps him at The Falkirk Stadium until 2028.
Lewis Neilson on Hearts future chances
“The 23-year-old joined The Bairns on loan last summer ahead of our return to the Scottish Premiership and played 24 times, helping the team to a top six finish. It was the defender’s second spell on loan at the club, having spent a season at The Falkirk Stadium in the 2020/21 season. Even at just 23 years of age, Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the back-line, having played top-flight football with Hearts, St Johnstone, and Dundee United.”
Speaking at the end of last season on his future, the defender said: “It’d almost be comfortable to stay at Hearts and then maybe try to break in and maybe get put back out on loan again. I feel that’s what I’ve done the last few seasons. Don’t get me wrong if I could sign a deal at Hearts and play every week then that’s perfect. But you also have to be a little bit realistic. I feel I could be good enough to go and do that but that’s not always the case in football so I need somewhere that’s going to be a home that I’m going to play every week and just take it from there.”