Webster returns to Hearts

Hearts have won the race for the signature of Andy Webster following his transfer deadline-day release from Rangers.

The former Tynecastle captain has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Webster had also held talks with Hibernian and had attracted interest from several other clubs.

Webster left the club in pioneering and acrimonious circumstances in 2006.

The centre-back was frozen out of the team by owner Vladimir Romanov towards the end of the club’s Scottish Cup-winning season after refusing to extend his contract, which had a year left to run.

He then became the first player to use FIFA’s Article 17 rule that allows a player to leave a club of his own accord after a specified period of time, joining Wigan before quickly moving to Rangers, initially on loan.

Hearts wanted £4.5m for Webster but the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland eventually ruled that Webster was liable for only £150,000, the sum being paid by Wigan before they sold him to Rangers.

The manner of Webster’s departure did not go down well with the Tynecastle fans but he claimed his decision now to choose Hearts above others shows how much the club means to him.

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies revealed earlier this week that Romanov had given him the go-ahead to pursue Webster despite initially being surprised by the proposal.

And Webster told Hearts News: “I am delighted to have rejoined Hearts and am very grateful to the manager and owners for giving me the chance to return to a club that means a lot to me.

“A lot was written at the time I left and the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, but the fact I have returned to a club which means so much to me - particularly when there were opportunities at other clubs – says everything I need to say on my return.

“Now my entire focus is on the future and helping Hearts secure European football.”

The 28-year-old, who made just three appearances in an injury-hit spell at Ibrox but lifted the Scottish Cup on a season-long loan stint with Dundee United, added: “I come back to the club that gave me the base for a successful club and international career as a more experienced player.”