Why former Hearts target Stuart Findlay chose 'no brainer' MLS move

Stuart Findlay was wanted by Hearts but opted for MLS move. Picture: SNS

The Scotland centre-back was understood to be a key target for the Tynecastle club in the summer with his Kilmarnock deal expiring at the end of the season.

However, the 25-year-old was enticed by Philadelphia Union, completing his switch last month with the MLS transfer window still open.

The club, who topped the Easter Conference last year and are captained by ex-Rangers player Alejandro Bedoya were formed in 2008 and joined the MLS two years later as part of the league’s expansion.

“Ever since there was a bit of interest I started to watch as much as I can,” he told the club’s website.

"Obviously I do my research online, looked at the club, saw how well they did last year, saw what sort of calibre of player they had.

"When the option came to me and I looked into it, it was a no brainer for me because it is a club that is going in the right direction and the way that they play suits me as a player.

"Everything fell into place and it's the perfect fit for me.”

‘Thrive playing that sort of football’

Findlay has been attracted by the team’s style of play under sporting director Ernst Tanner and head coach Jim Curtin.

The left-sided centre-back believes it is the place where it will suit his style and take his game on to the next level.

He explained: “I've been involved with Kilmarnock for the last four or five seasons and they play a lot more of a defensive game so when I heard about the high pressing, high tempo energy Union play with I think it suits me down to the ground because one of my main attributes is the pace that I have and if we are playing that way, pushing high up the park trying to press, hopefully I can use my pace to cover in behind.

“I think it will bring me on as a player because it suits me more as a player and hopefully thrive playing that sort of football.”