Hearts will play Stoke City in Gary Locke ’s testimonial.
Michael O’Neill’s side will head to the capital on Saturday, July 23 for the Tynecastle encounter (kick-off 3pm). Locke is being honoured after more than two deceased off association with his boyhood club.
A former Hearts captain, Scottish Cup winner, coach and manager, Locke is currently the Gorgie club’s principal ambassador. Despite spells at Bradford and Kilmarnock, the Bonnyrigg native remained a regular in the stands at Tynecastle during his playing career.
The game against the Potters is the climax of a series of events over the past year that have marked his long service to Hearts. The match will also be the final friendly clash for Robbie Neilson ’s side before they start their Scottish Premiership season at home to Ross County on Saturday, July 30.
The Jambos will take on East Fife on Saturday, 5 July before hosting Bonnyrigg Rose at home a week later. Trips to England in order to play Tranmere Rovers and Preston North End have also been confirmed.
Hearts are currently in Spain on a week-long pre-season training camp. They’ll round off their seven days in the sun with a friendly against Gibraltan side Europa FC this evening (kick-off 4pm) before flying home to Edinburgh tomorrow.
New signings Jorge Grant, Lewis Neilson and Alex Cochrane are all expected to get game-time. Craig Halkett may not be risked after only making a return to running after an ankle operation at the end of last season.
READ NEXT:
