Craig Levein is out of hospital and back home following his health scare on Monday. The Hearts manager took to Twitter to issue the following statement:
“I’d like everyone to know that I’m feeling great and aiming to be back in the dugout for the Motherwell match, all being well. I’d like to thank the paramedics and all staff in the CCU at ERI for their care and professionalism.
I’d also like to thank the professional footballing family for their amazing support, it’s been overwhelming. Huge respect and gratitude to the Hearts supporters and those of other clubs (including our friends across the city) who have taken time to wish me well.”
Hearts face St Mirren in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Tynecastle this Saturday and it’s understood that Levein, despite being at home on medical orders, will still pick the team with Assistant Manager Austin MacPhee being in charge on the day of the game itself.
MacPhee took the media conference on Thursday and underlined the team spirit evident at Tynecastle. The Hearts Number Two told the media corps:
“I went to see Craig in hospital on Monday and brought him some grapes. Ann Budge went to see him on Tuesday – and brought him a Manchester United player” (Demetri Mitchell who has joined Hearts on loan) There was a wry smile on MacPhee’s face when he added “It just shows the different budgets we work to at Tynecastle!”
MacPhee was serious, however, when he spoke about the impact Levein’s illness has had on everyone at the club.
“My role this week has only changed slightly. He’s given us all opportunities to be, slightly, in these situations already, so I don’t think for anyone of us it’s a case of being a deer in the headlights.
“We feel relaxed about the situation and we all just want to win at the weekend for the manager.
“The main thing for all of us is that we put in a performance that he would be proud of.
“Of course, we want to put in a performance that allows us to win the game and also put in a performance that makes him feel relaxed about his recovery.
“The message from myself to the players this week has been, amongst each other, that if we all just do a little bit more we can hopefully compensate a little bit for all of his knowledge and experience, and his undoubted aura he has at the club.”
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
