Hearts were saddended yesterday to learn of the death of former player Malcolm Robertson at the age of 59.

A skilful ball-player and a regular goal-scorer, Malcolm was born in Edinburgh on 7 July 1951 and he was a life-long Hearts' supporter.

As a young attacker, Malcolm made his name in the Junior Grade with Penicuik Athletic, assisting the Midlothian club to reach the Scottish Junior Cup Final in 1970. At that time, he also played on trial for Berwick Rangers, but it was Raith Rovers, of the old Second Division, that took Malcolm into the senior game in August 1971.

The dashing 5'8" left-winger developed into an exciting talent at Stark's Park and Malcolm even scored 25 goals in season 1973-74.

However, Rovers failed to qualify for the new First Division when the Scottish League was reconstructed and in December 1975, Malcolm was recruited by Premier Division, Ayr United, for a fee of £12,000. He helped Ayr United to prosper at the top level, but was obviously delighted when Hearts' manager, John Hagart, persuaded the club to pay £25,000 for his services in March 1977.

John Hagart clearly felt that Malcolm's ability would make a real difference to his team, as he could play on either wing and also through the middle.

Unfortunately, he joined Hearts at an extremely difficult time and the club was relegated for the first time in its history at the end of season 1976-77. New manager Willie Ormond also admired his creative play, and Malcolm was regular in the team that helped Hearts to immediately gain promotion in 1977-78.

Sadly, the squad was not strong enough for Premier football and like all Hearts' supporters Malcolm suffered badly when the club was again relegated in 1978-79. However, Hearts bounced back and Malcolm was a key player in the team that won the First Division Championship in 1979-80, under new manager Bobby Moncur.

The following season, Hearts again found it hard in the Premier Division and in January 1981, after falling-out of the manager's plans, Malcolm joined the Canadian side Toronto Blizzard on a two-year contract. He had scored a total of 21 goals in 142 appearances for Hearts (17 in 122 domestic competitive games).

The clever winger came back to Scotland in January 1982 and that year he played a few matches for Dundee United and Hibernian. Malcolm then rounded off his senior career in Malta, where he was the player-coach of Hamrun Spartans.

The thoughts of everyone at Tynecastle are with Malcolm's family at this difficult time.

Hearts players will wear black armbands in Tuesday's home Co-operative Insurance Cup tie against Elgin City.