BBC SPORT | HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN (original) (raw)

Thursday, 7 December, 2000, 13:31 GMT

Jackson hurting after Hearts decision

Craig Levein is ringing the changes at Tynecastle

Darren Jackson admits that he has been left devastated by Craig Levein's decision to allow him to leave Tynecastle.

The former Celtic forward was informed by the club's new head coach that he, along with Fitzroy Simpson and Kevin James, could go if suitable offers came in.

But Jackson, who recently waived a contractual clause to stay at the Edinburgh club, has been left reeling by the news.

He said: "I am very disappointed at the decision as I feel I still have three years playing in me. I am gutted at what has happened.

"Financially, I suppose I can understand it. But if you look at it in terms of players capable of playing in the first team, you can't just get rid of players for the sake of it."

Levein, appointed as Jim Jefferies' successor last Friday, spoke to the players after Tuesday's training and informed them they would be allowed to go if acceptable offers were made.

He said: "I have spoken to them and indicated they are not part of my plans for Hearts. It's not an easy thing to do but I've got to make decisions which I feel are best for the club.

Changes necessary

"I've known Darren for a long time. We've played against each other and we have worked together with Scotland.

"But I've got to look at the financial situation and changes have to be made.

"It's all about reducing our wage bill. Without doing that, I won't be able to bring in any new players. It's not that I think any of them are bad players and it's nothing personal."

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