David Hagen

In the mid early to mid 1990s Hearts revitalised youth policy was beginning to reap a rich harvest. However, while youngsters such as Allan Johnston, Kevin Thomas and Gary Locke were given their chance, Hearts also spent some money in the transfer market for young talent. In December 1994, manager Tommy McLean paid Rangers £150,000 for centre forward David Hagen.


Hagen was seen as a promising youngster at Ibrox but with the Glasgow giants continuing to wield the chequebook for big money signings, his chances of becoming a regular were somewhat restricted. He readily accepted the move to Tynecastle and the opportunity for regular first team football. He made his debut in December 1994 as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against a Falkirk side containing Davie Weir and Stevie Fulton.

Hagen became a regular first team player at Tynecastle but it’s fair to say he struggled to make an impact as a striker. He opened his Hearts account against Partick Thistle on Boxing Day 1994 but then scored just twice more that season, albeit one of those was the winner against Celtic in Glasgow towards the end of the season. Although a willing worker, Hagen’s lack of prowess as a goalscorer meant he was not going to be part of new Hearts manager Jim Jefferies long-term plans in the summer of 1995 and Hagen joined Falkirk in October of that year. He was more successful at Brockville and went on to make over a hundred appearances for The Bairns. In 2000, he joined a resurgent Livingston before enjoying spells at Clyde and Peterhead. In 2006, the striker joined leading junior side Bo’ness United.

Today, the 37 year old has retired from playing but is now youth coach at Third Division club East Stirlingshire.