For Hearts defender Lewis Neilson, a major footballing influence was just a few steps away—living right next door. As a youngster growing up in Dundee, Neilson lived beside Stuart Armstrong, who at the time was beginning to make his mark with Dundee United. Now a Sheffield Wednesday star, Armstrong’s rise through the football ranks played a pivotal role in igniting Neilson’s own ambitions to go pro.
Neilson, who made the move to Hearts from Dundee United in 2022, could be in line to face his boyhood club this weekend. After loan spells with Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, he’s now determined to secure a regular place under new boss Neil Critchley at Tynecastle. Reflecting on where it all began, he fondly recalls watching Armstrong progress from reserve football to becoming a key player for United. That close-up journey, seeing someone so familiar achieve so much, left a lasting impression on the young centre-back.
“Stuart was literally the guy next door,” Neilson shared. “Watching him break into the first team was surreal—one day he was just a neighbour, the next he was a standout for Dundee United. That really pulled me into the club.” Neilson joined United himself at the age of ten and stayed through to his late teens. The bond between their families was strong, with Neilson being close friends with Armstrong’s younger brother, who is the same age. Although their paths have since diverged, with Armstrong’s family now in Glasgow and Neilson’s elsewhere in Dundee, he still holds those early memories close. “We were neighbours for about ten years. He’s done brilliantly, and it’s definitely something I aim to replicate.”
Now settled at Hearts, Neilson reflects on the tough decision to leave Dundee United, a club that held a special place in his heart. However, he knew the move was necessary for his development. “I had to put my career first,” he admitted. “Game time was limited at United, and it was frustrating as a young player eager to play. Robbie Neilson, who managed Hearts at the time, knew me well from his time at United and believed in my abilities. So when the chance came, it felt like the right move.”
The switch has paid off, as Neilson has grown steadily, gaining valuable experience during his loan stints and now pushing for a first-team spot. “I feel like I’ve progressed a lot,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the loans, and I rarely regret anything. If it felt right in the moment, then that’s enough for me. Lately, I think I’ve put in some solid performances, and I just want to keep building from here.”
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