Aidan Denholm says he couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else, after penning a new deal until the summer of 2026.
The 19-year-old midfielder signed fresh terms today following a series of impressive performances under Steven Naismith this season.
His meteoric rise has taken him from loan spells as a young player, to the B Team in the Lowland League, and now a first team berth at Tynecastle Park.
As a lifelong Jambo, Aidan admits when contract talks came around – it was a no-brainer.
“As soon as I heard the news, it was something I wanted to get sorted straight away. It was all pretty straightforward,” he told the media ahead of the game.
“It doesn’t quite top Rosenborg, but it was up there! Now it’s about getting my head down and trying to get back into the team – who have been doing well. I’m delighted to get this done and looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the manager. From our time together in the B-Team, he’s been first class with me. From signing a new contract in the summer, I had to be patient and wait for my chance – which thankfully came against Rosenborg.”
Aside from his energetic displays in the middle of the park, the remarkable maturity from Denholm has helped him stand out to the coaching staff.
With plenty of room for development, the Corstorphine lad says he’s looking forward to kicking on in a maroon jersey.
“I need that patience because my time will come,” he explained. “Right now, I just need to focus on supporting the boys. If my chance comes sooner than expected because of circumstance, whatever that may be, then I’ll be raring and ready to go.
“I had a few loan spells, and then some time in the B-Team, which helped me no end as I was playing men’s football. I’m a Hearts fan so this is a dream come true! I signed here when I was eight and came through the academy.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m just delighted. I love it here. There’s a real positive feel about the place – off to Hampden after Tuesday night – so when I heard about, I just wanted it done. I didn’t think about anything else to be honest.”
