Robert Snodgrass explains Hearts transfer decision as he reveals Tynecastle factor that sealed free agent switch

New Hearts recruit Robert Snodgrass has explained his decision to move to Tynecastle after penning a one-year contract.

The Scotland cap has been without a club since leaving Luton at the end of last season, having been offered a deal but Snodgrass turned that down in favour of a new challenge. Motherwell were also in the race to take the 34-year-old to the Scottish Premiership, but Stevie Hammell lost out on a deal to bring the former West Ham, West Brom and Hull star back to Scotland for the first time since his days as a Livingston youth player.

He told Hearts TV: “It’s great. Whenever I’ve gotten a flight to come back, it’s been just to visit people. To be here with a new club is exciting. I’m pleased to get it done, and I’m looking forward to getting started again.

“I want to hit the ground running and get myself up to speed. I’ve had about five or six offers in Scotland. I talked to everybody, and the tradition of Hearts stood out. It’s a great club and has been like that for many years.

“It’s been one of the main forces in Scottish football for a long time. It’s one where I spoke to Robbie, I knew Steven Naismith, and a lot of the players already. It was a case of assessing the options and choosing the one I felt I had a connection with. I couldn’t wait to get it done and get going.

“I had options down south, but the manager was straight with me and to the point which I liked. There’s been a lot of fantastic players at Hearts over the years. I’m glad that I’m here and I’m glad that I’m getting myself back and ready for a new challenge.”

Snodgrass has been has been capped 28 times by Scotland and boss Robbie Neilson was delighted to add the experienced midfielder to his squad. He said: "I’m really pleased that