Former Hearts star shares Jambos connection that's proved key in January transfer to European regular
The former midfielder has completed a move abroad with help from an ally gained during time at Hearts.
Andy Irving has revealed the Hearts connection that’s played a key role in his transfer to Sparta Prague from West Ham United.
The Scotland international who came through the Jambos academy has left the Premier League for another crack in Europe, having already featured at clubs in Austria and Germany. Sparta Prague are regulars in UEFA competitions but also have some Scottish connections behind the scenes, including head of performance Ian Coll, formerly Celtic’s head of sports science.
Set-piece coach Jack Wilson is someone he knows well, as he was a first team performance analyst at Hearts during Irving’s senior time at his boyhood club. Wilson was able to fill the midfielder on why the move could prove beneficial for him as he seeks regular minutes.
Who does Andy Irving play for?
Speaking from his new side’s Marbella training camp, Irving said: “Me and Jack used to work together quite a few years ago when I played for Hearts, and he worked for Hearts as an analyst. I've known Jack for quite a long time. I spoke with him before coming out here and he told me very good things about the club, about the people, everything like this. Ian I didn't know before coming out here, but he's a fellow Scot, so I'm sure we'll get on just fine.”
He added on his move to Sparta from West Ham United overall: “First impressions have been great. Obviously that's my first training session done now, which was really enjoyable. It's been a hectic few days doing the medical, getting to Prague, doing the medical, photo shoots and everything like that, and then flying out here to Marbella. So it's been pretty full on, but first impressions have been great. Got to experience a little bit of Prague, the stadium, the training centre, met a lot of people and since coming out here everyone's been super welcoming. I'm just so excited to be here and looking forward to what's to come.
“I had a little bit of a modified session just because of the travelling and medical so I didn't do the full session, but the parts that I did do were tough, demanding, and yeah, it's nice to be playing football in a bit of sun, so it's good. In terms of player, I'm a midfield player. I like to get on the ball, I like to play forward. I'm quite technical with good passing, and I like to use my left foot. That's how I describe myself.
Andy Irving on leaving West Ham United for Sparta Prague
“I've done this quite a few years ago, moving to Germany, and then also I played in Austria, and then moved to the Premier League, so I've had an interesting journey in different countries. I'm really excited by the challenge here at Sparta, I think it's a massive club.
“I could feel that the other day in the stadium in Prague, I could feel it right away from the training ground, the stadium and whatnot, so I'm really looking forward to getting started and playing in the stadium for sure.
“I just want to be successful, I want to play football. It's been a long time since I've had the chance to play regularly, so I'm looking forward to take that challenge on, and hopefully get in the team and play. But also to be successful, be part of a team, be part of a good team that are ambitious and that want to win. That's ultimately my aim.”