Alan Lawrence says Jim Jefferies will thrive at Hearts
Edinburgh-born Lawrence was the first player Jefferies signed after his arrival in the summer of 1995, the striker moving to Tynecastle after making more than 200 appearances for Airdrie.
At 32, Lawrence knew he was only a short-term measure but that didn't stop him enjoying a season that ended with a Scottish Cup Final appearance, albeit a losing one as Hearts were beaten 5-1 by Rangers.
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Hide Ad"Being Jim Jefferies' first signing for Hearts is my claim to fame and, what's more, one I am proud of," said the man who started his career at Meadowbank and was known fondly as "Nipper" due to his youthful appearance.
"I was there to try and do a turn for him straight away and was delighted to help Hearts finish fourth in the league that season and also get to the Scottish Cup Final. There was a mainstay of the team when Jim arrived at Hearts and he wanted to stamp his own authority on the club, something he certainly did with the success he enjoyed over the next few seasons.
"Now I'm delighted to see both Jim and Billy (Brown) back at Hearts and, though he can't wave a magic wand and make things better overnight, I think the fans are happy with his appointment."
As well as turning out for Hearts Legends, Lawrence, who is helping with the under-19s at Airdrie these days, says he has kept in touch with events at the club by doing some hospitality work at Tynecastle. "I'd have to say the team wasn't pleasant on the eye the times I've seen them and that is definitely something Jim will be aiming to sort out," he added.
"He'll want a team that plays decent football and I think the current crop of players will respond positively to him.
"I am also glad to see Gary Locke part of the backroom team because I think the dressing-room has been missing Hearts-minded guys like him."
Jeff's best signings
Colin Cameron: The man who was bought for 400,000 moved to Wolves for 2million
Neil McCann: Arguably the best left winger to grace the Scottish game for a long time
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