Harry Milne’s Hearts contract clause as the defender declares he wants to stay at Tynecastle
Harry Milne’s Hearts contract clause as the defender declares he wants to stay at Tynecastle.
Popular left-back discusses rabona nutmegs, set-pieces, and the possibility of a new contract. Harry Milne has risen to the fore of a new-look Hearts team, playing with seemingly unshakeable authority.
He runs up and down the left flank, whether as a full-back or wing-back, supplying shots and crosses at will. He also delivers vicious set pieces, which have resulted in several goals this season.
On Sunday at Tannadice, Dundee United’s Miller Thomson received a cheeky ‘rabona’ nutmeg. “I’m glad they cut the clip off early because I hit the front man with the cross,” Milne says.
“That was one of those. I could read the defender’s body language and anticipate his next move. It looked nice, but it was likely the only way I could keep the ball in. It was nice to see it come off.
Milne’s ability to succeed James Penrice has captivated Hearts fans. Last year’s left-back transferred to AEK Athens for £2 million in July, leaving Milne and Stephen Kingsley to compete for the position.
Milne’s displays have been so consistent that the vastly experienced Kingsley finds himself on the substitutes bench for now. That is likely to remain the case for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup last-16 tie at St Mirren.
Milne, a January signing from Partick Thistle, is unlikely to be carried away by Hearts’ strong start to the 2025/26 season, despite six wins in six competitive games. Nonetheless, confidence is palpable in Riccarton.
League victories over Aberdeen and United followed 16 goals in four Premier Sports Cup group matches as the Derek McInnes era gained traction.
“I’d say we all feel confident,” Milne admits. “We always have a structure and a foundation to build strong attacking performances. We are defensively solid, but in the final third, you can try to make things happen. You can take risks by doing something unusual or unexpected.
The boys’ confidence is high, and why not? So far this year, we’ve played two teams that have qualified for Europe.
There have been various challenges, and it has been difficult for us. United was not the same as Aberdeen, but overcoming those differences has been very encouraging. “The club was probably aware that James had a chance of leaving this summer. That is most likely why I was brought in in the first place.
It felt good to be given the opportunity to make that position my own. I have had a good start to the season. People will say, ‘You played well,’ but I know there are things I could improve on. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a solid start.
“Towards the end of last season, I was resigned to not playing. James was here, and I wrote him off, as did the club, after a disappointing season.
But you return with a new perspective, and everyone worked hard during the summer.
We all wanted to impress the manager, and I was no exception. I took care of myself and made sure I was in the best shape possible to challenge James.
Milne’s contract will become public in the near future. When he joined Hearts from Thistle, he signed an 18-month contract and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
The mere thought will likely send shivers down the spines of Tynecastle regulars. However, the Edinburgh club has a clause in the agreement that allows them to extend it if needed.
“It’s something you are aware of and you have to discuss with your family about what you want to do,” according to Milne. “If the opportunity arises, I’d like to stay here for an extended period of time.” It is a fantastic club.
You would enjoy staying here because of the amenities, fans, expectations, and location. If that opportunity arises, I will undoubtedly want to stay. The club has an option to extend if that’s what they want to do.
I can say the ball’s in their court, but it’s probably in mine because it’s up to me to deliver performances on the pitch. I need to build consistency and show I am a Hearts player going forward.”
SPFL experience at Aberdeen, Cove Rangers and Partick Thistle
Milne, who was released by Aberdeen as a teenager, played junior football with his friends before returning to the senior ranks with Cove Rangers in 2015.
He also completed an international business degree at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University before joining Thistle and then Hearts seven months ago. Milne’s career is a testament to how perseverance can pay off.
I got set back a year each time I did that and there are stumbling blocks along the way.
Nothing is easy in life but you need to have that perseverance. “You must take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and anyone who plays for Hearts is in a privileged position.
Many people would kill to be in our position, and I want to make the most of this opportunity. I want to make all the sacrifices worthwhile so that I can do the best I can and be proud of what I achieved when I look back.
“I was dropped by Aberdeen when we moved from under-15s to under-17s.” I was released because I was too small.
Within a year, I’d grown five inches and become this lanky kid. It was probably more than just the height. I was skinny, and moving up to the 17s was physically demanding. There is a common misconception that I dislike Aberdeen because of this, but I have no resentment.
When I left Aberdeen, I had other options, including St Johnstone and Inverness, but I wanted to stick with my childhood teammates. I did this for a few years with Albion and Banchory. I won the Scottish Cup at that time, and I wouldn’t change it.
There is always a chance to achieve something and you do need some luck too. You need people who will take a chance on you. At Cove, I was fortunate because the club wanted to progress and provided me with the opportunity.
Ian McCall then took a chance on me at a higher level with Partick, so all of this is relevant. The stars aligned a bit, allowing me to accomplish my goals. It comes down to perseverance, hard work and luck.”
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