"We are following a recruitment strategy" - Hearts boss

Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - Vincent Sowah Odotei, Acting Chief Executive of Accra Hearts of Oak says the club is following a well laid out recruitment strategy that will ensure that only the best of materials are recruited into the current playing body. "We are not embarking on sentimental recruitment but strategic and "sensible" one aimed at getting only the best for the coming season. "We are also recruiting players to fill certain key positions in the current playing body and this is being done in consultation with the technical team", Odotei stated.

Speaking to the GNA Sports in an interview, the Acting Chief Executive said "embarking on strategic and "sensible" recruitment is the only way to make judicious use of the little resources at the disposal of the club since the club is engulfed in debts."

He said there was no need to rush in getting players on a whole- sale basis and the club would also not be drawn into any form of unnecessary competition with other clubs over players, hence the decision to stick to the strategy despite pressures from certain quarters.

According to him, the club is in the third phase of the recruitment strategy, where much emphasis lies on tried and tested players from premier league clubs. Sowah Odotei said contacts have been made with some top notch players in the premiership and has commenced preliminary negotiations for their release.

The Acting CEO however noted that this season's recruitment is also being hampered by the past records of the club with regards to player purchase and transfers from other clubs.

According to Odotei, some clubs are reluctant to release their players because of the outstanding debts from previous transactions. "Some clubs are just not willing to release their players to us or endorse our requests on their players and this is as a result of our inability to settle old and outstanding debts".

He said Hearts is committed to debt settlement and will do everything possible to pay off such debts. Odotei called on the supporters of the club to remain calm as the club is on course for the new season.