Hearts have received a double boost with the news that midfielder Arnaud Djoum and defender Igor Rossi have both signed extensions to their current contracts which will see them remain in Gorgie until May 2017.
Djoum has been particularly impressive since he arrived in Edinburgh in September and his assured displays have already marked him out as a player with real quality. The 26 year old Belgian, who has scored three goals in his short time in Scotland, told the official Hearts website it was an easy decision to agree to stay with Hearts beyond his previous short-term deal which was due to expire in January.
“It was easy because I feel very well here,” he said. “Everybody is nice to me, the fans here are amazing so it was very easy to sign. I’m very happy and proud to be part of the Jambos.
“I was really surprised by how quickly I was able to settle in as everything went so fast. That’s why I’m happy because it went in a good way. It’s important to score goals and you can see the reaction from the fans, they are very happy when you score goals. I think they have a song and everything!”
Djoum followed Igor Rossi in signing an extended deal and the Brazilian defender was equally thrilled to be part of Hearts challenge for the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership. Rossi told the official Hearts website:
“I’m very happy to have signed a new contract, which will keep me here until the end of next season. The manager has shown great faith in me and I’m delighted that he wants to keep me. The team has played well so far this season and I’m happy to be getting game time, but I know we can get even better.
“I’d also like to thank the fans for their support. They have been very good with me and to play in front of full houses has been great”
Meanwhile Hearts have also announced the appointment of former Darlington Chief Executive Martin Jesper as the club’s Head of Strategic Developments. During his time at Darlington, Jesper helped deliver fan ownership to the club who are now 100% fan owned.
Hearts are awaiting news on whether their forthcoming William Hill Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie against Aberdeen at Tynecastle – due on the weekend of 9/10 January – will be selected for live television coverage. The game is without question the tie of the round and will certainly attract yet another full house in Gorgie with the Maroon Army hoping their heroes can banish the post-Christmas/New Year blues by claiming their first win in this competition – and, indeed, their first goal – since they demolished Hibernian 5-1 in the 2012 final.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
