The demanding voices of Steven Naismith and Frankie McAvoy are pushing Andy Halliday harder than he can remember for a long time in the searing heat of Marbella.But it’s the words of a former manager which stick in the experienced midfielder’s head as he looks to go the extra mile and take his game to a new level when pre-season ends and the real stuff kicks off.
Eight years ago Halliday was a key man in Bradford City’s midfield as the Bantams just missed out on a play-off spot in League One.Phil Parkinson told the then 23-year-old that all the hard work up to the business end of the season goes out the window as supporters only remember the last six games of a campaign.
It’s advice that’s stuck with Halliday ever since. While he was happy with his performances overall last season the honest Tynecastle grafter admits his levels fell off a cliff as Hearts let third place slip.
That’s why he’s sacrificed his summer break to come back in the best shape possible and make sure he’s not overlooked by the new management team as he enters the final year of his contract in Gorgie.
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