Former Hibee says he would’ve made transfer to Hearts whilst still at Easter Road.
The former Hibs and Rangers player says he wouldn’t have said no to crossing the divide. The rivalry between Hearts and Hibernian has always been bitter.
Fans despise each other, players resent each other, and managers occasionally dislike each other. Interestingly, several players have represented both the Jambos and the Hibees over the years.
Paul Hartley is perhaps the most notable crosser of the divide, having played for Hibs from 1998 to 2000 and Hearts from 2003 to 2007, although he was not the most popular figure at Easter Road.
In the other direction, James Keatings transferred from Hearts to Hibs in 2015 after being released from his contract at Tynecastle. While it has happened on occasion, moving from one Edinburgh club to another is extremely rare.
However, a former Hibees player and fan, who spent three seasons at the club, recently revealed that he would have been willing to move to Hearts and nearly did.
Kevin Thomson almost signed for Hearts under Gary Locke
Kevin Thomson, a former Hibs midfielder and lifelong fan, revealed on an Open Goal podcast that he was close to signing with Hearts.
Thomson claimed during his second spell at Hibs that he was not getting enough game time and that Hearts manager Gary Locke attempted to sign him.
He said, “I spoke with Lockie (Gary Locke).” I wasn’t playing for Terry Butcher at the time, but he called and told me that every time I played, I was the best player. I understand it would be difficult for you because of your upbringing, but would you be interested?
“I was like, how could you possibly say no at the time? I was with Hibs at the time, but I was out of contract. I would have played for anyone. It’s a job, but I wouldn’t have preferred to have played for the Jambos.”
Thomson would ‘never say no’ to Tynecastle move during playing career
Despite his obvious allegiance to Hibs, Thomson went on to say that he would have signed for Hearts, but the deal fell through and he moved on.
He said, “I think they’re a fantastic club.” Even though I grew up a Hibee, I believe they are an excellent club.
“Excellent facilities, fantastic stadium. I enjoyed playing at Tynecastle. “If offered, I would never turn it down.” I think you’d be foolish to say no. However, it never came to fruition. It was just a chat, but I ended up signing with Dundee that summer.”
Thomson played for Rangers, Middlesbrough, and Dundee after three spells at Hibs, before retiring in 2016. The 40-year-old managed Kelty Hearts in 2021, leading the Fife Jambos to promotion to the Scottish League Two before resigning the following summer.
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