ROBBIE NEILSON

Over the summer, the Trust website aims to feature articles on new signings for Leicester City, obtaining fans views from their former clubs. This series kicks off today with Murray Meikle from the Heart of Midlothian Supporters' Trust giving us an insight into our first new capture, Robbie Neilson.

“So Robbie Neilson has followed the same road to the East Midlands taken in recent years by the likes of Craig Levein, Alan Maybury, Mark De Vries, Joe Hamill and Patrick Kisnorbo.  While I know that is not a list of names that will automatically encourage all Foxes fans, I predict that Robbie will be in the running for your player of the year awards at the end of his first season.  Why?  Because he is a genuine, hard-working full-back who runs all day and gives his all for the team. 

His path to this point in his career has not been entirely smooth.  Although he signed for Hearts in 1996, he spent early parts of his career on loan at Cowdenbeath and Queen of the South.  Such moves often signal the beginning of the end to a once promising career but not in Robbie's case.  Instead he returned to Hearts a stronger, more effective player and was soon back in the first team squad.  Robbie has improved with each passing season and his elevation to club captain when Christophe Berra moved to Wolves last season was recognition of his increasingly apparent leadership qualities….

Robbie has seen a lot in his time at Hearts.  He was on Hearts' books when we won the Scottish Cup in 1998 but was very much on the pitch when we won the cup in 2006, making an unbelievable last ditch tackle on Gretna's David Graham to prevent a certain goal and to help us to the trophy.  Robbie was a regular in that 2005-06 season which started with such promise that we were genuine title challengers for the first few months of the season – the fact that Robbie has survived the various shenanigans at Tynecastle since then is testament to his resilience and determination.  

So what can you expect from Robbie?  Hard graft and commitment – and a very long throw.  While not in the Rory Delap league, his throw-ins are capable of causing problems for defences and it will be interesting to see how Championship teams choose to defend his throws.  He also is well aware of the broader responsibilities that come with being a professional footballer and is heavily involved with the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.  What will you not get from Robbie?  Shirking.  And goals – incredibly his goal which saw Hearts beat FC Basel 2-1 away in the UEFA Cup in 2004 was his first goal for the club.

Hearts fans are sorry to see Robbie go.  His testimonial match last summer was well merited and well attended.  We wish him and Leicester City the best of luck for the new season.”

Robbie Neilson Stats

Height: 5ft 8in          Weight: 11st            DOB: 19/06/1980

Season 2008/9 Robbie made 27 appearances picking up 3 yellow cards