Hearts have attacked Blackpool manager Mick McCarthy after appearing to question the Scottish club’s integrity over their interest in Toby Sibbick.
The former Republic of Ireland manager, who was recently appointed Seasiders boss and has been out of work since leaving Cardiff City in October 2021, spoke to the media amid reports Hearts told Blackpool that Sibbick was not for sale following the bidding.
According to Lancashire Live, the 63-year-old said: “I’m pretty sure they (Hearts) are honest. Are they just trying to get people to come in and offer more? I don’t get it.
“They said someone made an offer. So it looks really good for the club, the crowd and the fans that they are holding him back. Whether or not we submit a purchase, it’s for (sporting director) Chris (Badlan) and (chief executive) Ben (Mansford) to tell you.”
Those comments shook feathers in Scotland, with Hearts releasing their own statement accusing McCarthy of being “unreasonable”.
“The club wants to put an end to speculation about Toby Sibbik’s future,” they said.
“Contrary to comments made by Blackpool manager Mick McCarthy the day before. We can confirm that Blackpool submitted one bid for Toby on Monday at 8.33pm which was dismissed from the hands.
“Later, Blackpool was informed that Toby which is part of our team is very valuable not for sale
“To anyone suggesting that we are not ‘honest’ about the situation, That in itself is extremely rude.
“The club wishes to process all transfers personally. But we will not sit idle and let the Heart of Midlothian’s good name be obscured.”
McCarthy, meanwhile, admitted he wondered if football had “retired” him after more than 14 months off work.
The 57-cap Ireland international was appointed by the Seasiders last week to replace Michael Appleton with the club’s second in the Championship and look to avoid relegation.
But McCarthy, who had managed five other clubs and two with the Republic of Ireland Afraid that his time will run out.
“Did I ever say that I quit playing happily? I enjoyed it more this week. Definitely coming back this week,” he said ahead of our FA Cup opener at Southampton in the Premier League. After opening the house last weekend The league game against Huddersfield has been postponed due to frozen ground.
“I’ve been out for 14 months and I don’t know if I’ll ever come back. and wondering if this game made me quit playing And it wasn’t me who quit playing.
“I am officially the oldest player in the league. And I’m really excited about it. Because I think I’m probably the youngest in the same arena as Millwall at 33.
“Maybe that’s a sign that I’ve had some success in the league. I can handle it better. with a clearer mind than when I was 33 years old, and we will find [How much better am I?] Because I don’t measure myself.
“I clenched my teeth. It’s my first game and I’m very excited. Whether it’s the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup or the league, I’m really looking forward to it.