Hands on Hearts

A powerful exploration of emotion, connection, and what moves us to action.

For readers seeking intimate stories about the human heart and its capacity for love.

About the Ebook

Alan Rae was the physio at Hearts for over 20 years. He joined the club in 1982, languishing in the First Division and looking at the prospect of part time football. In that time he has seen 8 managers come and go as well as 3 owners and too many players to mention. Six years after leaving 'The Jambos' he has penned a memoir of his time at Hearts. He has anecdotes about home games, European games and even pre and post season tours abroad. Woven into these memories is the medical knowledge of a true professional, from players suffering career threatening injuries to managers for whom the pain of losing is physical as well as mental. BACK COVER: As Heart of Midlothian FC's physiotherapist, Alan Rae was a vital member of the Tynecastle backroom staff for more than two decades. He was one of the few constants during a tumultuous period in the club's rich history and his behind-the-scenes recollections will fascinate and entertain in equal measure. From international superstars to mischievous boot-room boys, Rae shares his unique insight into the life of a great Scottish football institution. Hands on Hearts is a must-read for football fans everywhere - Jambos or otherwise -and for anyone who has ever wondered about the healing properties of the physio's magic sponge!

Reviews

[Rae] was one of the most trustworthy, wonderful, lunatic, crazy, loveable, straight-jacketed men I have ever met in my life. JOHN ROBERTSON (Hearts striker 1981-1998; manager 2004-5)

[Rae] was an absolutely fantastic physio who even though he worked in tiny little physio room at Tynecastle got people back from injury very quickly. A wonderful man with a very dry sense of humour who was brilliant company. SCOTT CRABBE (Hearts midfielder/striker 1986-1992)

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Authentic Scottish voices and captivating narratives.
• Rich cultural heritage woven throughout every page.
• Published by Luath Press, Scotland's leading independent publisher.
• Instantly accessible through The Grey Hill App.

About the Author

ALAN RAE was a long-serving employee of Hearts Football Club, a firm presence in the team's dugout on match days. Part-time from 1982 whilst also working at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, he later joined the club on a full-time basis. He was a well-respected member of the off-pitch team, and throughout his career witnessed eight managers, three owners and numerous players come and go. Alan left Hearts in 2005 after 23 years at Tynecastle stadium. He now lives in the Scottish Borders.

PAUL KIDDIE began his journalistic career with DC Thomson in Dundee in 1984, where he spent twelve years before joining the Edinburgh Evening News sports desk. A similar length of service with Scotsman Publications saw him report on Hearts for six tumultuous seasons, during which time he first met Alan Rae. After a year living in the USA, Paul was offered the chance to return to Scotland as Communications Manager at Heart of Midlothian FC, a position he took up in January 2007.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 22 July 2013

Print Length: 224 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781909912083

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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