The key Riccarton talks which sparked Lewis Moore's Hearts revival

Seeds for new deal were sown while winger was on loan at Falkirk

Hearts winger Lewis Moore has signed a new two-year deal.

Hearts reserve coach Andy Kirk sat in a Riccarton office back in December talking Daniel Stendel through the club’s playing squad. The German needed to familiarise himself with his new charges and Kirk was enlisted to help.

They discussed each player individually, including those out on loan. Lewis Moore’s name intrigued the new manager once Kirk explained the winger’s energetic approach and attacking ability.

Moore was on loan at Falkirk at the time but, unknown to him, the seeds of his renaissance back at Hearts were being sown ahead of his return in January. The revival was confirmed when he signed a new two-year contract this week.

His performances under Stendel between January and March earned the player a new deal and an extra birthday present just as he turns 22 today. He went from peripheral figure to first-team regular inside three months before coronavirus stopped football.

“Obviously Daniel didn’t know the players when he arrived, so he was getting to know them every day. We had loads of conversations and I was able to give my opinion on the players out on loan,” recalled Kirk.

“I told him Lewis was out at Falkirk and that he would come back in January. Daniel was keen to have a look at him in training. I had a couple of conversations just before he came back.

“I said to him: ‘This is an opportunity for you but you’ve got to impress.’ All credit to him, he came back in good condition.

“He had a tough time at Falkirk because he wasn’t playing and had some personal situations which were very difficult for him. But he showed his resilience, came back, got his head down and trained really hard.

“I wasn’t surprised he caught the manager’s eye. As I said, I knew he had the ability so it was just about getting the opportunity. He showed that ability in training and Daniel gave him a chance in the team. He never let us down.

“I’m delighted he got this new contract because he thoroughly deserves it for the work he has put in.”

Riccarton coaching staff knew Moore’s time had to come soon given his previous contract was expiring at the end of May. Whilst they recognised his potential, he hadn’t managed to impose himself at first-team level under Craig Levein.

Stendel’s arrival proved a key turning point. “We’ve always rated Lewis really highly. Youngsters go on loan to experience first-team football and sometimes that goes well, other times it doesn’t,” said Kirk.

“From where he was, on loan at Falkirk and not really playing, to come back and put in the level of performance he did is a credit to him.

“I had a lot of time with Lewis in the reserves over the years and I’ve seen him developing through working every day with him. I had no doubt he could play in the first team.

“Sometimes it’s just getting that break, getting a few games and getting belief in yourself to say, ‘I can play at this level.’ That was the case with Lewis.

“Getting into the team at the right time and fitting into the system is important, so timing can be key. You also need a wee bit of luck as well.”

Stendel used Moore regularly up until matches stopped on March 13. There is uncertainty over whether the manager will return to Edinburgh following Hearts’ relegation, but such doubts do not exist where Moore is concerned.

“You know Lewis will give you 100 per cent – tracking back, tucking in, all the ugly stuff. That is all part of his game so, from a coach’s point of view, you never have to worry about him giving you that work rate,” said Kirk

“He also has great ability and he’s very flexible. He is quick, has good movement, he can dribble with the ball, link up play and keep possession. He has a lot of attributes.

“He is versatile, although he’ll be the first to tell you he’s not a full-back. He can play on both wings or in a No.10 position but wherever you play him he gives you 100 per cent commitment.”

A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly-trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you. Joy Yates, Editorial Director.