Derek McInnes says he’s delighted that Stuart Findlay will join the club on a two-year deal in the summer, following the expiration of his contract at parent club Oxford United.
The on-loan defender has started all 20 league matches for the Jambos and has been at the heart of the Jambos’ good form this season, which has them top of the Premiership Table.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference he said:
“I was very keen to get Stuart for loads of reasons, and I think that's been validated with his performances.
“He's been part of a strong backline throughout the season, and I'm delighted he's been rewarded with that. Clearly, he was desperate to stay longer. He's loving every minute of it, as we are him.
“I do think for all the signings we've made, I think it's important that we do have that core of Scottish players, people who know the Scottish league. I think it's important we don't ever lose sight of that. I think the Scottish league is quite unique in that sense, where you've got to make sure that you're ready for every eventuality, every kind of test, and we need players like Stuart. For all the signings we've made, he's been as good as any of them.”
Earlier in the week, the club also announced the long-awaited arrival of Islam Chesnokov, who has now began training with the squad. McInnes added that he’s happy to have the winger in the building and is keen to give him time to settle.
“We had him with us yesterday, thankfully. It all went through quite smoothly on yesterday morning. He was through in Glasgow on Monday morning, and he was able to train yesterday and today, which was great. We're just delighted to have him with us in the building and get him to work.
“It's been well documented how hard we've had to work to get him here. With much anticipation, we just want to let the boy play now and train and integrate with his teammates. He's had a good first couple of days.
“I spoke to him Saturday after the game, and we just need to let the boy settle now. He’s coming from a different part of the world, a different league, but it's clear that he's got a real handle on us as a team and what's expected of him.
“He knows how well we're doing, he knows the players. But obviously, once you're here you need to get a note about your players, you need to get that feel for the place. We're trying to do everything we can to help settle, and the club's brilliant at that. We've got a great admin staff and a great support staff that helps the players settle.
“We're getting well versed on that, and we just need them to try and hit the ground running as best they can.”
You can watch Derek’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
