Former Arsenal and AC Milan star sends Hearts verdict as Tony Bloom opens up world of Tynecastle possibilities
He also counts Valencia, Rangers, and Aston Villa amongst his former clubs.
A former Arsenal and AC Milan defender is excited to see what Tony Bloom’s investment can do for Hearts.
The Jambos are entering a new era, backed by the Brighton and Hove Albion owner’s £9.86m commitment in exchange for a 29% minority stake at Tynecastle. He has also provided his Jamestown Analytics software for the club to use, and that has been pivotal behind much of the recruitment done in the summer transfer window.
Philippe Senderos is well known mainly from his time down south with Arsenal, but also featured at AC Milan, Fulham, Valencia plys more in a well travelled career. One of the stops later in his journey was Rangers and the former Swiss defender still keeps an eye on Scottish football. While not an immediate threat to Rangers and Celtic, Senderos believes Bloom’s involvement makes Hearts an interesting watch.
Philippe Senderos on Tony Bloom at Hearts
He told BoyleSports: “I see it as an opportunity for Scottish football to add another team that could potentially compete. To have only Celtic and Rangers - that’s not beneficial to anyone, even though it’s been the story for many years, and I might be controversial, I don’t know.
“But to have another team that could compete, with extra financial support or extra support in general, I think is a good thing. And why not bring in the experience and what Brighton has done into Scotland? That could be a great opportunity for Scottish football to continue to develop.”
A return to European football will be on the agenda at Hearts, missing out this season after a bottom six Premiership finish. They were in last season’s league phase of the Conference League, Senderos well aware of how big that could be for clubs like the Jambos from time as sporting director at Swiss side Servette.
How Hearts would benefit from European football participation
He added: “Yeah, I can’t speak highly enough of these competitions. They give clubs that can’t compete in the Champions League or Europa League the chance to have a great journey in Europe and see different things.
“It’s great for the fans, the league, and the club itself. I’ve experienced it as a sporting director at Servette - we’ve qualified for the Europa League and the Conference League group stages in recent years - and it’s amazing.
“Financially, it makes a contribution. You need a squad capable of competing in multiple competitions, so you have to be smart about investing, but it helps you grow and attract better players because you’re playing in Europe.”