Charles Taylor, Hearts and Black Stars' mercurial striker who has been at the centre of a transfer tug of war between the champion club and their arch rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko drew cheers from fans when he appeared at the Accra Sports Stadium during a friendly match between the Accra club and Power F/C.

Dressed in a pair of faded jeans trousers and a skin-tight leopard skin nylon tunic top, the player arrived the stadium at about 3:30 p.m. in the company of Mr Isaac Tetteh, Managing Director of T.T.Brothers.

Six hefty looking men who appeared to be security operatives accompanied them as they took their seats at the Upper Terrace soon after arrival.

After about a quarter of an hour in the stands, during which spectators shouted his name and cheered in appreciation of his return, Mr. Tetteh led Taylor into the inner perimeter where he met and fraternised with his colleagues who were warming up for the match.

Taylor chattered with Tommy Okine, Chief Executive of Hearts and Steve Akwettey who showed signs of excitement at the return of the 'prodigal striker.'

The SWAG player of the year moved freely thereafter when he realised that his security was not in doubt as rumours spread that he would be a second half substitute.

Mr Tetteh told the GNA Sports that he decided to send Taylor to the stadium to end speculations about his departure from Hearts, adding that as a staunch Hearts supporter, he felt obliged to render a little bit of service to the club by guaranteeing that Taylor remains with the team.

He said he persuaded the striker to play in the match against Power and even though the technical team agreed to feature him and the player too was willing to play, there were no kits he could use, hence his absence from the match.

Coach Hebert Addo who appeared happy about the return of his most prized player however said, "Taylor did not return because he did not go anywhere."

Hearts and Kotoko have been tugging each other within the last fortnight over Charles Taylor. While the Accra team claims the 'Sefwi Pele' has a valid contract with them, Kotoko are reported to have made him sign 'something in Kumasi' and promised him 400 million cedis, a brand new V.W. Golf car and free accommodation if he joined them.

Taylor had been absent at Hearts' training since he played below expectation in the L.G. Top 4 tournament in Kumasi where Kotoko beat Hearts 2-0. He also failed to make an appearance in the return leg in Accra as Hearts missed begging chances and the match ended in a barren draw.