Hearts are 'missing' a Jim Jefferies figure claims Ryan Stevenson as he recalls his surreal first derby experience

The former Jam Tarts ace believes Hearts need someone who understands the club

Ryan Stevenson believes Hearts are missing a figure like Jim Jefferies, someone who understands the club and what it means to play for the team.

The Stranraer forward recalled his time under the Tynecastle legend in an interview with Si Ferry and ex-Hearts striker Kevin Kyle.

Stevenson became Jefferies first signing in his second spell as Hearts boss in 2010.

Hearts are missing someone like Jim Jefferies, according to Ryan Stevenson. Picture: SNS

The 35-year-old revealed he would still run through a brick wall for the 1998 Scottish Cup-winning manager and assistant manager Billy Brown.

He told Open Goal: “As much as you say coaching wise maybe not the best, but I tell you what, see when you put on a jersey for him…

“That’s what Hearts are missing just now because you understood when you put on a jersey what you had to do for that club. That was through him and Billy.

“If he was to become my manager tomorrow, it would be the same again, you would run through a brick wall for him.”

Stevenson was Jefferies first signing after he returned to manage the club. Picture: SNS

Stevenson still remembers the intensity of his first Edinburgh derby and how it was drummed into him early on about winning games against Hibs.

“My first derby I got on the bus and he (Jefferies) was playing all of Robbo’s goals on the bus with the Hearts songs, he said. “Just sitting down the front, he didn’t say a word to anybody, just sitting staring out the window.

“You come on, two big TVs with all the goals going in with the Hearts music. Just straight ahead, looking ahead.

“Billy’s come up, ‘do you understand what today is all about, son’. I was like ‘aye, aye’. He’s like ‘this is the biggest game you’ve ever f***ing played in. We’re no going to lose’.

“The gaffer doesn’t speak. Still straight ahead. Straight down Princess Street, all these goals on loop with the music blaring.”

Listen to the full interview, where Stevenson talks about his time at Chelsea, brutal pre-season under Jefferies and his departure from Hearts.