Heart of Midlothian have confirmed that midfielder Cammy Devlin will not be returning to the club, with reports indicating the player is now set to join Rangers. Hearts released a statement on Friday which revealed the player would move on. This development came after the deadline the club had set for Devlin to agree to a new deal had passed.
Devlin’s Move to Rangers Reported
The news of Devlin’s reported move to Rangers emerges as Hearts prepare to strengthen their midfield. Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken expressed his disappointment regarding the Australian international’s decision not to stay at Tynecastle, confirming he will not have the opportunity to work with the player.
Vrancken had held a positive phone call with Devlin earlier in the week. He also sent the midfielder some text messages in the period leading up to the final decision. Despite these communications, Devlin ultimately chose to pursue other options.
Vrancken on Devlin’s Departure
Speaking after Hearts’ 2-1 friendly loss to Livingston, Wouter Vrancken elaborated on his feelings about Devlin’s departure. “As a coach, of course, we want good players to stay,” he stated. Vrancken conveyed his personal regret, adding, “It’s disappointing because I had a good phone call with him and sent some text messages with him.” The coach further emphasised the impact of such decisions, saying, “It’s always disappointing to see a player go who has personality and quality.”
The Hearts coach also touched upon the practicalities of transfer dealings and player commitments. Vrancken explained the club’s position on waiting for a player’s decision, noting, “But you cannot keep waiting for him to decide.” He continued, “When he really wants to stay, he could decide earlier or today.” Vrancken further observed the pattern, stating, “When he keeps postponing or delaying it…”
Vrancken shared his perception of Devlin’s openness throughout the process. “I think he was honest with me,” the coach said. He described his initial impression from their conversation, adding, “The feeling I had, I just know him from the phone call, but he seemed like a really good personality, a good guy.”
The head coach also indicated that Devlin had openly expressed his uncertainty. Vrancken stated, “I think he was honest in that he was in doubt at that moment for what he wanted.” He pointed out the timeframe available for a decision, mentioning, “There were already a few days in the World Cup after we called and then he had time enough to make a decision.” Ultimately, Vrancken concluded that the club’s strategy must be to progress: “As a club, you have to move on.”
Hearts’ Midfield Recruitment Drive
With Devlin’s move confirmed, Vrancken confirmed that Heart of Midlothian will now turn their attention to the transfer market. The club intends to see what opportunities are available to add to their midfield options. The hope is to introduce different profiles into the squad.
Vrancken underlined the necessity of new additions to the team. He stated, “I think when Cammy is not coming, we need something there for sure.” The coach acknowledged that he focuses on his current players, remarking, “I always focus on the players I have at the moment. I knew he was end of contract, so you work with the guys who are there.”
He reiterated his belief that specific player types are currently missing from the squad. “I think we can have some type of profiles we don’t have in the squad at the moment,” Vrancken explained. He confirmed that this recruitment effort would be undertaken in conjunction with the club’s recruitment department, stating, “But, yeah, that we have to see with recruitment.”
Vrancken concluded by expressing a final sense of disappointment over the situation. “I had a good chat with him, and it’s a pity,” he said. He ended by stating, “But, yeah, it’s a pity that he’s not staying.”