Ex-Gers stopper returns to Tynecastle
Hearts have brought former Rangers defender Andy Webster back to the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The former Tynecastle captain was released by the Gers on transfer deadline-day, meaning he was free to join another club despite the window being closed.
Webster had also held talks with Hibernian and had attracted interest from several other clubs, but Hearts have won the race for his signature.
The centre-back was frozen out of the team by owner Vladimir Romanov towards the end of the club's Scottish Cup-winning season in 2006 after refusing to extend his contract, which had a year left to run.
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies revealed earlier this week that Romanov had given him the go-ahead to pursue Webster despite initially being surprised by the proposal.
And Webster told Hearts News: "I am delighted to have rejoined Hearts and am very grateful to the manager and owners for giving me the chance to return to a club that means a lot to me.
Return
"A lot was written at the time I left and the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, but the fact I have returned to a club which means so much to me - particularly when there were opportunities at other clubs - says everything I need to say on my return.
"Now my entire focus is on the future and helping Hearts secure European football."
The 28-year-old, who made just three outings in an injury-hit spell at Ibrox but lifted the Scottish Cup on a season-long loan stint with Dundee United, added: "I come back to the club that gave me the base for a successful club and international career as a more experienced player."
The former Tynecastle captain was released by the Gers on transfer deadline-day, meaning he was free to join another club despite the window being closed.
Webster had also held talks with Hibernian and had attracted interest from several other clubs, but Hearts have won the race for his signature.
The centre-back was frozen out of the team by owner Vladimir Romanov towards the end of the club's Scottish Cup-winning season in 2006 after refusing to extend his contract, which had a year left to run.
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies revealed earlier this week that Romanov had given him the go-ahead to pursue Webster despite initially being surprised by the proposal.
And Webster told Hearts News: "I am delighted to have rejoined Hearts and am very grateful to the manager and owners for giving me the chance to return to a club that means a lot to me.
Return
"A lot was written at the time I left and the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, but the fact I have returned to a club which means so much to me - particularly when there were opportunities at other clubs - says everything I need to say on my return.
"Now my entire focus is on the future and helping Hearts secure European football."
The 28-year-old, who made just three outings in an injury-hit spell at Ibrox but lifted the Scottish Cup on a season-long loan stint with Dundee United, added: "I come back to the club that gave me the base for a successful club and international career as a more experienced player."
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