David Hagen: Hearts pay tribute to former player who has died at 47

Hearts have paid tribute to David Hagen, their former player who has died at the age of 47.

Hagen, who was was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018, joined Hearts from Rangers in 1994 and played 35 competitive games for them, scoring five goals.

They Tynecastle club said in a statement: “Everyone at Hearts is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Hagen.

“David, who featured for the Jambos between Dec ‘94 - Oct ‘95, had been bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease for the past two years. Our thoughts & condolences are with David’s family at this time.”

An attacking player who could play in midfield or as a winger, Hagen was signed for Hearts by former manager Tommy McLean who paid £150,000 for the player.

He made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk at Tynecastle in December 1994 and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Partick Thistle on Boxing Day.

Although it was a difficult season for the club who flirted with relegation under McLean, Hagen is fondly remembered for scoring the winning goal in a rare away win against Celtic in April 1995.

The match was played at Hampden which the Parkhead side were using as their home ground that season while Celtic Park was being redeveloped.

Hagen struck with four minutes left to secure a precious victory for Hearts with just three games of the season remaining.

Hearts would only eliminate the threat of the drop by beating Motherwell 2-0 in their final game of the season at Tynecastle, with Hagen playing his part.

The Jambos fared better in the Scottish Cup that season, defeating Rangers 4-2 in a memorable fourth-round tie at Tynecastle. However, they lost to Airdrie is a replayed semi-final at Hampden.

McLean left the club at the end of the season to be replaced by Jim Jefferies and Hagen was involved in the early part of the 1995-96 season, scoring in pre-season match against Derby County and also finding the net in a remarkable 5-1 in over Manchester City at Tynecastle in another friendly.

However, Jefferies was in the process of reshaping the Hearts team and Hagen was sold to Falkirk in October 1995, with Stevie Fulton moving in the opposite direction.

Hagen he enjoyed the most settled period of his career at Falkirk, playing 139 league games for the Bairns and helped them reach the Scottish Cup final in 1997 where they lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock.

After leaving Falkirk, Hagen had spells at Livingston, Clyde and Peterhead, before finishing his career with non-league Bo'ness United in 2007.

Falkirk said in a statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of David Hagen. David fought a courageous fight against MND and will forever be remembered by everyone associated with the club. The thoughts of all at Falkirk FC are with David’s family at this time.”

Rangers also paid tribute to the player who made 16 league appearances for the Ibrox club between 1992 and 1994, scoring three times.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the wider family circle at such a difficult time,” a Rangers statement read. “Words cannot express, nor provide comfort, for a family during these circumstances.

“David will be remembered for his part in the famous nine in a row side and featured in the amazing 1992-93 season when Rangers won the treble and came within one game of the Champions League final.”