Former Hearts boss surprised by one Jambos exit as he expects new deal for star
One of the four players on the club’s departure list has caught the eye
Hearts icon Robbie Neilson was surprised that midfielder Beni Baningime was on the club’s exit list - but believes veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon is on course for a new deal.
Alongside Frankie Kent, Lewis Neilson and Alan Forrest, former Everton and Derby County player Baningime will be leaving Tynecastle. He has been a fan favourite for much of his time in Gorgie despite numerous injury concerns. The 27-year old managed 30 appearances in his final season and was one of the first names on the team sheet for Derek McInnes when available.
During his five years at Hearts, the former Everton and Derby County midfielder developed a strong partnership with Cammy Devlin, who Neilson also thinks may be on his way out amid MLS and EFL Championship links. He also expects his former teammate Gordon to sign a new deal at the age of 43. The Jambos hero has just travelled with the Scotland National Team to America to begin World Cup preparations.
Baningime departure an ‘interesting’ move
Neilson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast: "The one for me that was interesting was Baningime. I know he's had a lot of injuries but when he plays, Hearts play well. With Jamestown Analytics I know they have a say on not just the recruitment but also the retention so maybe they are flagging up differently, I don't know. But he was the one that I thought they would try to keep."
Jamestown Analytics worked wonder for the Jambos last season as they now must trust the data again to replace such a calming presence in the middle of the park. The league finale at Celtic Park proved how invaluable Baningime is to Hearts. The match was finely balanced until he suffered a hamstring injury which turned the tide in the host’s favour.
Neilson predicts Gordon new deal
While Baningime is on the way out, Neilson reckons Gordon will stay at the club in some capacity, even if he’s not continuing his role as a backup to Alexander Schwolow. He continued: "I think Craig Gordon will be one that they'll try [to give a new deal]. He's so well associated with the club. I don't know if he'll maybe look to progress into some sort of coaching role, as a player/coach or something like that, or even in the background at the executive level. I think Craig had always thought about doing that side of things.”
He doesn’t however have quite the same faith that Devlin will remain at the club, as the midfielder has attracted interest from three MLS teams along with Championship sides Stoke City and Portsmouth. Devlin has just been chosen in Tony Popovic’s Socceroos World Cup squad.
Neilson continued: "With Cammy Devlin, I think it'll depend on what other offers he gets, and I would expect him to get some good ones. Whether it be in Europe, or there was talk of the MLS, you could go there and probably earn a significant sum more than Hearts could afford."
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