Perry Kitchen’s time as Hearts captain has come to an end.
According to the official Hearts Twitter account, manager Ian Cathro has named the returning Cristophe Berra captain for next season. Berra, a Scottish international, is making his return to Hearts after spending four years with Ipswich Town in the English Football League Championship.
He will be taking on the captaincy from Kitchen, who took over as captain in September after joining Hearts in from D.C. United in March 2016. Kitchen played sparingly as the season winded down as he was left as an unused substitute in the club’s last five matches. The midfielder started only five matches after Feb. 4.
“One of the roles that Christophe will be will be returning to is the position of club captain,” Cahtro said. “I think it’s important for us to add to the leadership. Obviously, throughout the season we’ve had Perry and more laterally Don taking that position. Don’s someone who will continue to be one of the important leaders inside the group.
“We want to build a team that has more players capable of that, more players ready to take that responsibility so we’re pleased to bring Christophe into that role, and also very ably supported by Don, and Aaron Hughes also a player of experience, ready to be one of those positions. We want to add to the players who naturally take upon that position.”