Zander Clark insists new Hearts contract was a 'no-brainer' as he fires message at social media cynics
Zander Clark insists it was a no-brainer to sign his new deal at Hearts - even if some keyboard warriors suggested otherwise.
The goalkeeper ended speculation linking him with a move across the Edinburgh divide to Hibs by penning a new two-year deal at Tynecastle earlier this month. Some social media speculators had predicted the 32-year-old would jump at a move away from Gorgie after losing his spot in the starting XI to veteran skipper Craig Gordon this season. But Clark says he was only too happy to pledge his future to the maroon half of the city and double down on his efforts to grab the number one spot back.
He said: “I spoke about it for long enough, but when the contract got offered it was done and dusted within the week, so l'm pleased to get a bit of security and try and kick on from here. It's been brilliant at Hearts; it's a massive club. European group stages this season, qualifying for Europe, it's been an enjoyable time.
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"So when the club wanted to extend my deal it was a no-brainer - although some on social media might have said otherwise. It's obviously frustrating not being in the squad this season but listen, that's part of goalkeeping. Only one of us can play the position, so you need to knuckle down and that's when you need to work your hardest to try and get back in this team. Obviously I’ve committed my future and it starts again in terms of trying to get back in."
It’s been a harsh few months for Clark who, on the back of keeping 16 clean sheets last season, helped Hearts to a third place finish and won four Scotland caps. He started this season with another clean sheet in the goalless draw against Rangers but lost his place after a 3-1 defeat at Dundee on matchday two.
Gordon’s form between the sticks has kept Clark twiddling his thumbs on the bench and he's not played a single minute under Neil Critchley as well as missing out on European action. But the former St Johnstone cup double hero insists he’ll never be caught with his face tripping him as he’s as big a character off the park as he is on it.
He said: "It's something I always try and be if I'm not playing. Obviously you're disappointed but there's no point in moping and moaning. It helps nobody. It doesn't help me. It doesn't help the team.
“You can be disappointed internally, but on the external side, I always try and be bubbly about the place and try and keep spirits high. You can speak to any goalkeeper that's not playing around the world, they'll not be happy that they’re not playing, but you understand that that's the position you’re in, so you just need to make sure that when your time comes around that you're ready to go.
“If you're moping and moaning a bit, and that moment comes and you're not ready for it, then the heat is on you. You've got to keep your mood and your attitude and your application to anything you do at the top of your level, and probably even more so when you're not playing.
"You never know when that moment's going to come, and you need to make sure you're ready, because you’re the last line and you've got 10 other boys that are wanting you to maybe dig them out a hole, or vice versa.
“You need to have that sort of belief, trust, and camaraderie between the squad. That you'll trust them, that they can do their job, and they're going to trust you to come in and do yours.“
Clark reckons the addition of fellow Saints double hero Jamie McCart this month is a solid piece of business - because the defender would kick a granny if it meant thwarting a goal. He said: “I’ve done man chauffeurs for the big man. I think he’s been a great addition and already proven that in the games that he's played. Good on the ball and likes defending, which is good.
“Him and Craig Halkett are two that are sort of similar. You've got a lefty and a righty, two that love defending and would kick a granny if they got a chance if it meant keeping the ball out the net! So I think that's sort of what we needed; a bit of stability and shores it up.”
