Former Rangers and Hearts captain Lee Wallace has made a surprising return to Tynecastle, accepting a new coaching role within the club’s academy set-up, 13 years after leaving as a player. Wallace, a graduate of the Hearts academy who made his senior debut for the club in 2004 and played 193 matches in maroon, now returns as the assistant coach for Hearts’ under-18 team. His career took him to Ibrox in 2011 for a seven-figure fee, where he spent eight years with Rangers before moving to Queens Park Rangers. After three seasons at Loftus Road, he retired from professional football in September 2022 at the age of 35. Wallace, who was capped 10 times by Scotland, captained Rangers from 2015 to 2018 before passing the armband to James Tavernier. Despite his popularity with the Rangers fans, his final year in Glasgow was marred by controversy when he and Kenny Miller were suspended and fined following a dressing-room dispute with interim manager Graeme Murty. A tribunal later ruled in favor of Wallace and Miller against Rangers.
Hearts academy director Andy Webster shared insights into Wallace’s return on the club’s official website. He recounted how he reconnected with Wallace in August last year and discussed Wallace’s coaching journey and learning experiences. Although Wallace’s UEFA B licence had expired, his passion for coaching was evident. Emma Hunter allowed Wallace to volunteer in the girls’ academy to share his knowledge and revalidate his coaching licence. Wallace’s enthusiasm led to an opportunity in the boys’ academy with the U16s group, where his influence helped many players secure professional contracts. With the restructuring in the professional phase, Wallace was offered a full-time position to assist David McNeil with the boys’ U18s. Webster highlighted Wallace’s seamless integration into the academy and his positive impact on both younger and older players, expressing confidence in Wallace’s ability to develop young talent and excitement for the future.