First team

Former Jambos give Daniel Hearts seal of approval

21 June 2024

Daniel Oyegoke paid tribute to the Hearts heroes that shaped him and hopes to write his own name into the club’s story after completing his transfer to Tynecastle.

 

The England U20 international penned a three-year-deal in Gorgie after making a permanent switch from Premier League side Brentford.

 

Oyegoke has strong Tynecastle connections in his career for far, having worked with former Jambos Neil MacFarlane and Steven Pressley in London.

 

He also shared a dressing room with Jamie Walker in last season’s loan at Bradford City, and he revealed their glowing references about the club helped seal the move. 

 

“I’ve worked with all of them closely over the last three years,” he told Hearts TV.

 

“I spoke to all of them, and they didn’t have a bad thing to say about the club. I know Jamie was a young boy when he started here.

 

“Jamie’s a top guy, and Hearts created people like Jamie, and I’m so happy to be a part of it”

 

A composed right-back, Daniel says that a conversation with Steven Naismith about his role in the team has excited him for the new campaign.

 

And with a blockbuster season of domestic and European action to come, the Englishman can’t wait to get started.

 

“Honestly, it’s been a long time coming. To finally get this done is a great feeling and I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

 

“In my last game of the season at Bradford, I heard about the interest from the club. From them, I just said to my agent to try and get it done as soon as possible. I’m here now and ready for the start of pre-season.

 

“This is a massive club, with a massive fanbase, and great people within the building as well. It was a very easy decision.

 

“The manager told me how he sees me fitting in tactically, how he wants the team to play, and how he wants to build on the success of last season.

 

“I’m athletic, confident, and composed. I like to defend one-v-one and can go forward as well.

 

“I just saw the stadium now. At night, with the fans in, it should be a blast. Hopefully we can get some good results and put some smiles on people's faces.”