We begin the month with an extremely lucky point at home in the Edinburgh derby. Paul Cairney gave Hibs the lead after 5 minutes with an excellent strike from outside the box. We equalised when a Callum Paterson header was turned into his own net by goalkeeper Ben Williams. Hibs were the better side and took the lead again shortly after half time through James Collins. We had numerous chances to equalise but continued to waste the chance. In the 92nd minute we won a corner and captain Danny Wilson scored to steal a point. Happy to draw but disappointed with the performance.
Billy King is ruled out for around 12 days after an injury sustained in training.
Scottish Premier League
Kilmarnock 0-2 Hearts
A decent away win at Kilmarnock who made us work for it. Brad McKay gave us a first half lead, poking up from close range following a corner. The game was pretty even until Benik Afobe wrapped up the win late on. Benik picked the ball up near the half way line, took it past two defenders and arrowed a superb strike into the top corner.
We came out on top after an excellent game in the cup. Kevin McHattie scored directly from a corner in bizarre fashion to give us the lead. Within a minute, Dundee were level. Callum Ferguson scoring an excellent goal. Ten minutes later and Kenny Miller put Dundee in front. Just before half time Callum Tapping equalised for us. The second half could have gone either way but it was Benik Afobe who scored to make it 3-2. Kyle Benedictus was sent off late on for Dundee but by then we were looking comfortable.
The draw for the quarter final gives us a home tie against Dundee United.
Scottish Premier League
St Mirren 1-1 Hearts
An even game and a fair result. Angus Beith, on the back of a super performance in the cup, looked to have won the game for us late on. But St Mirren fought back and equalised through Paul McGowan. A good performance overall and a fair result.
An undefeated month with some decent performances. We sit 2nd in the league and are playing well. Im keen for us to keep this up and to not let Celtic build up a lead on us.
Player of the Month
Angus Beith. Still only 18 years old, Angus was thrust into the first team this time last year following all the departures. He's held his own at this higher level and rarely looks out of his depth. Beith won Man of the Match against Dundee with 2 assists in the game and then scored our only goal of the game against St Mirren.
Burnley offer me a job interview for their vacant managers position. I, of course, politely decline.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 2-0 Partick Thistle
A comfortable home win here. Benik Afobe scored his fifth of the season in the first half. He then sent Chris Erskine through to double the lead after an hour. We were always comfortable and the result was never in doubt. Sam Nicholson came off because of injury, which is a worry.
Manager-less and bottom of the table, Brighton offer me a job interview. They're wasting their time.
David Smith and Billy King return from injury. King should feature at the weekend but it may come too soon for Smith.
Scottish Premier League
Ross County 1-0 Hearts
A poor performance away to Ross. Stuart Kettlewell gave them a first half lead and we never really responded with anything meaningful. The lack of urgency in our play was worrying.
Brad McKay gave us the lead in a dominant first half display. We could easily have been three or four up by half time. Danny Wilson scored the second soon after half time. Craig Storrie was sent off for Aberdeen for two yellow cards and McKay scored his second of the game to wrap up the win. A good response to the Ross County defeat.
Steven Anderson is already looking for a way out of the club. Understandably so after just two appearances. I was expecting Steve to be a regular for the club but neither Wilson or McKay are relenting with excellent performances week in, week out. It looks like we may have to let him go in January.
Scottish League Cup Quarter Final
Hearts 2-0 Dundee United
A few changes were made for this game so I am delighted to get through with a relatively comfortable win. Danny Wilson and Benik Afobe with first half goals. David Smith returned from injury and set up both goals.
Take away the disappointing defeat at Ross County and we have had an excellent month. Seven goals scored and none conceded in three games at home. We find ourselves third in the table but with a game in hand on Ross above us. We welcome Celtic to Tynecastle in the first game of next month.
Player of the Month
Benik Afobe. Two goals this month for Benik and some sterling all round play. He's really made the forward position his own and Callum Paterson certainly isn't going to walk back into the side when he returns from injury.
A disappointing start to the month as Celtic extend their lead at the top of the SPL. Both sides gifted each other goals in the first half. First Efe Ambrose's short back-pass was intercepted by Sam Nicholson to give us the lead. Kevin McHattie then returned the favour by inexplicably putting Kris Commons through on goal to equalise. Celtic were on top for most of the game and got the winner through James Forrest. Benik Afobe and Sam Nicholson were both taken off injured, we can only hope it is not serious.
Very disappointing not to get the three points over newly promoted Raith. The best chances for both sides came in the first half but no-one could find a breakthrough. The second half was far more subdued and the game ended level.
Danny Wilson is ruled out for 2 weeks and David Smith 4 weeks.
Scottish Premier League
Dundee United 2-1 Hearts
A poor performance in an important game for us. Danny Wilson's absence was sorely felt as our entire defence appeared to be completely at sea. Ryan Gauld gave United an early lead before Afobe equalised for us against the run of play. It looked as though we might hold out for a draw but Gauld got his second and the winner late on.
We went into this game billed as underdogs following our poor recent form. The players showed no sign of it and were well on top for most of the game. Benik Afobe spurned a few chances to put us ahead and it looked like it was going to a replay. Two minutes from time and Jason Holt bundled in from close range in what was surely the winner. It wasn't to be as St Mirren went straight up the other end and equalised through Josh Beattie to secure a replay.
An awful month. We've fallen well behind Celtic in the league and now face a proper battle with the teams around us. Im confident of winning the cup replay but it doesn't make up for some lacklustre performances. A busy month in December and hopefully we can start working our way back towards the form we showed early in the season.
Player of the Month
Benik Afobe. No-one really stood out this month but Benik's all round play has been encouraging.
A decent win at home sends us through to the next round. Angus Beith opened the scoring for us in a dominant first half display. Benik Afobe doubled the lead shortly after half time. St Mirren responded and scored a complete fluke through Clark Robertson. St Mirren rallied after the goal but Robert Ahman-Persson made sure of the win with 15 minutes to go with a header from close range.
A poor showing today and we're lucky to come away with a point. Henri Anier scored as Motherwell dominated the first half. Within 2 minutes of the restart, Billy King was brought down in the box and Hamill scored the penalty. The game was even from then on but we didn't really do enough to warrant a win.
A poor performance and another draw in the league. The game was quiet until Inverness Richie Foran was sent off after half an hour for a dreadful tackle. We took advantage and went into half time 1-0 up with a Callum Paterson goal. Inverness were somehow level 40 seconds into the second half, Ben Greenhalgh scoring. All hopes of taking the 3 points ended when Kevin McHattie was sent off late on for a second yellow card. The draw sees us drop to the 6th in the table. Disappointing.
David Smith returns to full training following injury.
Scottish Premier League
Hibernian 1-1 Hearts
A third 1-1 draw in the league but a decent performance in the Edinburgh derby. Jamie Hamill got us off to a great start with a super free-kick. We were unlucky to go in level as Jordan Forster equalised with seconds left of the half. The game was even in the second period and Hibs were extremely lucky to finish the game with 11 men on the pitch. A decent draw in the circumstances.
A good win but one which was not entirely convincing. Mark O'Hara scored an own goal to put us ahead in the first half. We looked comfortable but somehow managed to let in Greg Tansey to equalise with half an hour left. We were heading for an incredible foruth straight 1-1 draw until Jason Holt put us back in front with 15 minutes to go. Sam Nicholson wrapped up the win late on.
The game was won in a brilliant first half performance. David Smith was brought down in the area after just 20 seconds and Jamie Hamill stepped up to put us ahead. Kevin McHattie scored the second from a free kick and Benik Afobe made sure of it with an excellent strike from the edge of the area. St Mirren's discipline was awful all afternoon, Stuart O'Keefe shown the red card for a terrible challenge on Afobe. Benik was taken off injured, which is a concern. Eremenko ensured the away side finished with 9 men following a second yellow card.
We keep the pressure on the teams above us in the league with two excellent results at the end. We started to tail off following those disappointing draws. Celtic are of course already running away with it. We start next month with a must win home game against Ross County in the league.
Player of the Month
Jamie Hamill. He's been at the heart of everything that we have done well this month. Keeping the midfield ticking over. Three important goals this month have proven his reliability the penalties and free kicks.
January gets off to a bit of a bad start as Robert Ahman-Persson tells me he wants to leave. Robert has been in and out of the team and has struggled to convince me he deserves to be a starter. Unfortunately it looks like we may have to let him go.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 0-1 Ross County
A poor performance and Ross walk away with the 3 points that moves them 7 points clear of us. Callum Ball scored the only goal of the game. Josh Pritchard was sent off for Ross late on but we couldn't take advantage.
Craig Martin is promoted to the first team to provide defensive cover.
We are delighted to announce the following players have signed contract extensions: Angus Beith, Sam Nicholson, David Smith, Jamie Hamill, Jamie MacDonald, Dylan McGowan, Liam Smith and Kai Wilson.
Scottish Premier League
Partick Thistle 0-2 Hearts
A good response. Callum Paterson gave us the lead, turning in a superb David Smith cross. Callum Tapping doubled the lead with a magnificent volley from 25 yards in the second half. Worryingly, Callum Paterson was taken off injured in the second half. View attachment 400049
Thankfully, Benik Afobe returns to full training. The Aberdeen game may be too soon though.
Scottish Premier League
Aberdeen 1-2 Hearts
Benik Afobe was taken off injured just 3 minutes into his return. Billy King replaced him and put us in front 10 minutes later. We played well in the first half and could've scored more. Jason Holt was forced off before the half was up. Aberdeen came out for the second half the better team and should have equalised. As they were pressing, we counter attacked and King got his second of the game. Ryan Jack scored late on for Aberdeen but it wasn't enough. A vital win.
Andrew Macleod has been promoted to the first team to provide cover in attack.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 1-0 Raith
A comfortable win and we were unfortunate not to have scored more. 17 year old Liam Smith scored the only goal of the game in freak circumstances. Crossing in from the right, the ball somehow evaded everyone in the box and ended up in the net. They all count. Danny Wilson was taken off early on, I'm hoping it's nothing serious.
A couple of weeks ago, Andrew Macleod was celebrating his 17th birthday. Today he led our attack line and put us ahead after just 10 minutes. Inverness were fortunate to equalise just before half time through Conor Pepper. Jamie Hamill regained the lead for us with half an hour to go. With 15 minutes left, Sam Nicholson raced up field on the counter and was hacked down with a disgraceful tackle. The referee failed to even show a yellow and Sam was taken off injured. Without anymore substitutes to use, we were down to 10 men and Inverness went for it. We held out until the 94th minute when Bob McHugh equalised to force a replay.
A pretty decent month. We've consolidated a decent position in the league, it looks to be between us, Dundee United, Ross County and Hibs for 2nd place. Two players departed this month and have been replaced by youngsters from the U19's. I considered dipping into the transfer market but couldn't really find the right player and would prefer to give chances to some of the young players who have been very patient. We lost Paterson, Holt and Afobe to injury so next month is going to be a struggle.
Player of the Month
Callum Tapping. Callum almost won this personal accolade last month too. He's been superb all season but has really turned it on recently. He'll be key next month too with his usual partner, Jason Holt, missing through injury.
Should we defeat Inverness in the replay, we will face Rangers at home in the quarter final.
Scottish Cup Fifth Round Replay
Hearts 0-2 Inverness
A terrible way to kick off the month. Inverness were well in control and we never really threatened. Chuba Akpom put them in front early in the match and Ryan Mason scored late in the game to make sure of it. Out of the cup.
How we won this, I will never know. An extremely important victory nonetheless. Andrew Macleod set up David Smith in the first half to get his first goal of the season and put us ahead. From then on, the game was entirely controlled by Dundee United. We held on for dear life for most of the game and our defensive work looked to have come undone when McHattie brought down Gary Mackay-Steven in the area wihth 5 minutes left. Ryan Gauld stepped up but saw his penalty expertly saved by Jamie MacDonald. A hugely fortunate 3 points that moves us above Dundee United in the league.
An even game saw chances for both sides to take the victory. Extra time was needed and it really did look like penalties were on the cards. Chris Erskine picked up the ball on the left wing, dribbled past 2 and sent a fierce drive across the goal. Billy King was at the back post and scored to send the fans mental. We held on to book our place in the final for the 2nd year running. We will face Motherwell.
A busy fixture schedule and some tired legs after the semi-final meant changes were forced upon us. We paid for it, big time. Two for John Sutton and one each for Henri Anier and Iain Vigurs sent Motherwell home happy. Dale Carrick and David Smith for ourselves.
Celtic absolutely battered us in the first half and we were lucky to only be 1 goal down. Efe Ambrose with the strike early on. We came out a much improved team in the second half and got our equaliser late on through Billy King. An excellent and completely unexpected point. King, Smith and Afobe all picked up knocks. They'll be assessed during the week.
What a game! We were truly awful in the first half and deserved to be 2-0 down at half time. Liam Craig and Jason Cummings for Hibs. Young Andrew Macleod came on for Benik Afobe and completely changed the game. Macleod scored 2 goals in as many minutes to draw us level before James Collins restored Hibs' lead. Just as time was running out, Macleod was put through on goal by Angus Beith to complete his hat-trick and a deserved point for ourselves. A magical moment for the 17 year old. The win keeps us above Hibernian on goal difference. Beith was taken off with what looked like a nasty injury with minutes left of the match.
A really testing month for this team. Following the small injury crisis, some players on the fringes have had to come in and have been put under tremendous pressure to keep up our form. We're still in the hunt for 2nd place and have done brilliantly to get to our second Scottish League Cup final. We've struggled at times playing 2 games a week but have come through it relatively unscathed. Five games to go until the league splits and I'm confident we can push on from here.
Player of the Month
Andrew Macleod. Angus Beith deservedly won the SPL Young Player of the Month award and he was going to be my pick for this. That was until Macleod's hat-trick against Hibs. The young striker has had to lead the line in the absence of Afobe and Paterson. He showed this month why he is one of the most coveted young Scottish strikers in the game. Beith has been in a similar position this month, taking up the midfield position with Holt out injured. Both have kept us in the race for 2nd and have taken us to the cup final.
An excellent win and a dominant performance. We started brightly but it was Kilmarnock who took the lead inside 3 minutes with a Mark O'Hara goal. We didn't let the goal get to us and Andrew Macleod equalised with his 4th goal in 2 games. David Smith put us ahead almost immediately and Callum Tappng made it 3 before half time. The second half was comfortable and we saw out the game easily. Jason Holt returned to action and played a pivotal role in the game.
The first half saw a totally dominant performance from ourselves. Billy King should have scored four, two were glaring misses and the other two were ruled out for offside. All came from Andrew Macleod through-balls. As the second half wore on, I feared that we may have missed our chance. With 20 minutes left, Danny Wilson rose above the Inverness defence to header home a corner and seal the 3 points. Beith, Tapping and Smith all picked up knocks.
The club announce a new intake of youth players. Striker Eric Smith and midfielder Alex McNeil the stand-out players this year.
Scottish Premier League
St Mirren 0-1 Hearts
Once again, we started this match very brightly. The first half saw numerous chances for us to take the lead. This time, we took advantage. Andrew Macleod gave us the lead just before half time with what turned out to be the only goal of the game. St Mirren responded strongly and controlled the second half. We held on for another very important 3 points.
Jason Holt speaks to me privately about the desire to move to a bigger club. I try to convince him that Hearts is the right club for him to be at but to no avail. I will try my best to keep him this summer but it may not be enough. This was an inevitability with a player like Holt.
Scottish League Cup Final
Hearts 4-2 Motherwell
Success! A truly incredible first half saw us leading 3-0. Kevin McHattie put us ahead, crossing in from the left the ball sailed past everyone and into the net. King made it 2 with an excellent strike from the right. We were awarded a penalty but Hamill's shot was saved. The miss did nothing to stop our dominance and Andrew Macleod continued his goalscoring form with the third just before half time. Motherwell came out for the second half with all guns blazing. Dylan McGowan was unfortunate to turn a Scott Allan cross into his own net and Shaun Hutchinson scored again to make it 3-2. We looked a bit shaky and I was worried. Two minutes before the end Chris Erskine wrapped up the win with a strike from close range. I'm delighted with the cup win!
Jason Holt requests a transfer. I have granted the request but will make no attempt to sell him. Hopefully by the end of the season he will have changed his mind. A disappointing turn of events.
A selection of players are called up for the internationals. Danny Wilson and Brad McKay retain their senior positions and Andrew Macleod's great form has earned him a place in the U19's.
Scottish Premier League
Ross County 0-1 Hearts
Another excellent win. Ross played well and we were not quite as dominant as we have been this month. Callum Tapping scored the only goal of the game in the first half to give us a 1-0 win. We finish a super month with an excellent away win.
A perfect month. Five wins from five games and one of those won us the cup. We have ended the month in a very strong position in the league. We play one more game next month before the league splits. With players returning from injury this month, our performances have dramatically improved. To cap it all off, we won the Scottish League Cup with an excellent performance in the final against Motherwell. Let's hope it's the first of many. The only downside is the transfer situation with Jason Holt. I always knew that sooner or later one of our better players would ask for a move. I'm hoping it can be resolved but I have already begun scouting replacements. I hope we can keep him, we are drastically better with him in the side.
Player of the Month
Callum Tapping. Callum continues his fine season with another excellent month in the heart of our midfield. Two goals this month have helped us on our way to the excellent results we have enjoyed.
A truly incredible performance to kick off April. Jason Holt scored first and David Smith made it 2-0 before half time. We didn't slow down and Kevin McHattie scored an excellent free-kick after half time. Danny Wilson scored with a header soon after. The best goal was saved until last, Chris Erskine with a superb strike from outside of the area to wrap a thoroughly deserved win.
Jason Holt requests that he be removed from the transfer list. I agree but certainly don't expect this to be the end of it.
Scottish Premier League
Ross County 3-0 Hearts
A very disappointing end to our excellent run. We were never in the game and Ross full deserved their win. Goals for Noble-Lazarus, Josh Pritchard and Michael Fraser. Callum Tapping was forced off through injury after 12 minutes.
A disappointing result against the champions. Celtic didn't have anything to play for and it showed, yet a lacklustre display has resulted in a win. We missed our midfield duo badly here and paid the price. Goals from James Forrest and Derk Boerrigter.
A month that started so brightly and promised so much has ended in despair. A game against Celtic is always going to be hard to but to capitulate against Ross is very hard to take. Our midfield duo of Jason Holt and Callum Tapping will miss the remaining three game and I worry for our chances. Kai Wilson and Angus Beith did well earlier in the season but took a few games to find their pace. There is no time for this and I fear it will cost us. If we win our three remaining games then we will finish 2nd. Considering the European rewards for finishing 3rd are the same, I feel I must take it easy on the squad if our aims are not reached. Either way, had you offered me this position a the start of the season then I would have bitten your hand off for it. We roll on.
Player of the Month
The last two games were awful so I must award Chris Erskine with this months award. His performance versus Partick was outstanding and he has had to put up with a lot less game time than I think both he and I expected at the start of the season. Time and time again he has popped up with a crucial goal or assist when I have started doubting him.
Derby defeat and our poor form continues. Jason Cummings gave Hibs an early lead. We hit back with a Hamill penalty after Afobe was brought down in the box. Hibs restored their lead before half time through James Collins. We didn't do enough in the second half to warrant a draw.
An emphatic end to our poor run. The win moves us 1 point behind Dundee United, who face Celtic on the final day of the season. Angus Beith scored a first half goal to put us ahead. Hamill scored from the spot in the second and David Smith wrapped up the points with half an hour to go. Calum Butcher was sent off late on for Dundee United.
Andrew Macleod and David Masson have been called up for Scotland for the U20's World Cup.
Scottish Premier League
St Mirren 3-1 Hearts
A disappointing way to end the season but we finish in 3rd place which I am happy with. Benik Afobe put us ahead with a superb strike from outside the box. St Mirren instantly replied through Alexey Ermenko. From then it was all the home side. James Tavernier made it 2-1 and Jake Hesketh finished us off. We were not helped today by the fact that Andrew Macleod, Angus Beith and Liam Smith had not arrived back from international duty in time for the game.
An excellent season overall. We delivered fully on my targets at the start of the season. A top three finish has meant we can look forward to European football next year. I'm very keen for us to navigate the play-offs to reach the group stage. Highlight of the season is definitely the League Cup win.
Player of the Season
1. Brad McKay. Brad has been ever present throughout the season and has really stepped up his game. As I mentioned earlier in the season, his position was under threat back in August but he has proven himself to be our key man in defence. Brad contributed four goals this season and won Man of the Match on four occasions.
2. Callum Tapping. Callum is unfortunate not to have taken first place here. His overall contribution to the team has been crucial. He has been the link in the heart of the midfield and is generally involved in everything we do well in an attacking sense. I'm in no doubt that our poor form at the end of the season was in part due to his absence. Callum contributed eight goals and six assists.
3. Benik Afobe. Benik's form at the start of the season was remarkable. He kept Callum Paterson out of the side which I would have said was impossible back in August. He suffered many injuries in the second half of the season and would definitely have hit 20 goals had he been involved. His ten goals and seven assists in 26 starts is testament to that. A notable mention too for Andrew Macleod who led the line in Afobe's absence and was even the preferred choice in the starting 11 in the last few months. A real prospect for the future.
The club announce contract extensions for the following players: Callum Tapping, Billy King, Liam Gordon, Mark Ridgers, Jordan Miller, Sam Daniel and Aaron Scott.
We announce friendly fixtures against Monaghan United, Brentford, Leeds United, Athlone Town and Chesterfield. Fixtures are subject to change due to our involvement in the Euro Cup qualifiers.
We announce the signing of Cameron Park who joins on a free transfer. The deal was completed in January.
Euro Cup First Qualifying Round First Leg
Santa Coloma 0-8 Hearts
A dominating display of attacking football. It was no less than was expected in all honesty. Four goals for Andrew Macleod, two goals for Danny Wilson and one each for Angus Beith and Jamie Hamill.
Callum Tapping and Sam Nicholson return to training, both have spent the summer injured.
Euro Cup First Qualifying Round Second Leg
Hearts 6-0 Santa Coloma
We finished the job at home to make it 14-0 on aggregate. Goals from Kevin McHattie, Kai Wilson, Jamie Hamill, David Smith, Benik Afobe and an own goal from Marcos Montero.
Kai Wilson joins Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the season.
Euro Cup Second Qualifying Round First Leg
Koper 0-0 Hearts
A sterner challenge than Santa Coloma. We should really have at least put ourselves ahead going into the second leg. We could've been 2 or 3 up by half time but we wasted our opportunities. Koper came back into it and controlled the second half. A fair result in the end really. I'm confident we can finish the job at home.
Brad McKay is ruled out for 2-3 weeks and will miss the start of the season.
Euro Cup Second Qualifying Round Second Leg
Hearts 0-0 (Hearts win 5-3 on penalties)
I was concerned going into this game. Koper had showed in the first leg that we weren't going to just turn up and win the game. This concern grew throughout the game as we reached half time, then extra time without a goal. I knew one goal for them would be the end of it. As we got to penalties it was clear the tie was now very much in the balance. Thankfully we've won but I'm far from pleased with how difficult it was.
Our participation in Europe has meant that our pre-season consisted of only one non competitive match. We have to be pleased with our progress so far but we will have to play much better to get past Austria Vienna. The season targets are much the same as last. A top 3 position in the league, to continue our good form in the domestic cups and to reach the Euro Cup group stages. I can see our domestic cup form being hampered by any progress in Europe, but I'll be happy if that means we've reached the group stages. We welcome Rangers back to the SPL this season so I anticipate an even harder league campaign than last year.
Key Players
Jason Holt. Jason will miss at least the first 2 months of the season which is a massive blow. I'm hoping he put his injury record behind him and once again leads the team to a successful year.
Brad McKay. Brad is another who will be absent for the start of the season through injury. Thankfully he should be back in a few weeks and I'm hoping he continues his progress at the heart of our defence.
Andrew Macleod. Andrew showed glimpses of his potential last season and he is a player I am very excited about. His 4 goals against Santa Coloma have basically assured me that he will begin the season as our main striker.
View attachment 399868
Here is the squad at the beginning of the season, I am not ruling out any additions but is highly unlikely that any of these will be sold or loaned out. As you can see, we begin with a bit of an injury crisis on our hands.
Thankfully, Angus Beith and Sam Nicholson return to full training.
Euro Cup Third Qualifying Round First Leg
Austria Vienna 0-1 Hearts
An excellent result in a tricky away tie. A fairly even game and a fortunate goal for ourselves means we take a decent advantage back home. The only goal of the game came in the first half. Callum Tapping set Andrew Macleod through on goal, the strikers shot cannoned off the post, hit the goalkeeper and rolled into the net. Our somewhat makeshift defence did very well in keeping a clean sheet. View attachment 399865
Scottish Premier League
Aberdeen 1-1 Hearts
A decent start to the league campaign as we walk away from a tricky test with a point. We were well on top in the first half and unlucky not be leading at half time. Early in the second half, Liam Gordon was taken off injured and we were forced into a major reshuffle in defence. The injury cost us dearly as Aberdeen piled on the pressure. With ten minutes left, Cammy Smith broke the deadlock and we looked to be dead and buried. Deep into injury time, A Billy King cross was turned into his own net by keeper Jamie Langfield. A deserved point in my opinion.
Hearts 2-3 Austria Vienna (Austria Vienna qualify on away goals)
A terribly disappointing end to our European campaign, losing this tie after our first leg win is unacceptable. Danijel Geoergievski got Vienna off to a great start with a screamer from 30 yards. Afobe replied almost instantly and we settled a bit. Out of nowhere, Roman Kienast made it 2-1. Our away goal was now redundant. Just before half time, Afobe scored again to restore our aggregate lead. We absolutely dominated the second half but fell behind through Patrick Burger. Shot after shot for us but it wasn't enough, and we drop out of Europe before we ever really got going.
Celtic compounded a miserable few days for myself and the team. The game was effectively over within half an hour. Goals scored by Stokes, Brown and Dorrans. We picked ourselves up a bit in the second half but Dorrans got his second late on and it ended 4-0. We need to kick-start our season soon.
A disappointing result in the end but it was probably fair on the balance of play. Chris Erskine gave us the lead just before half time. St Mirren came back at us in the second half and 10 minutes from the end, equalised through Blair Alston. Moments later we looked to have snatched the win with a superb Kevin McHattie free-kick. Deep into injury time and with the last kick of the game, Jim Goodwin scored another equaliser from 25 yards out.
Another shocking result and performance. We somehow need to dig ourselves out of this mess. Chuba Akpom scored the only goal of the game in the first half. Inverness played the last half an hour with ten men and we still couldn't find a goal.
Various players are called up for international duty.
Scottish Premier League
St Johnstone 1-0 Hearts
A better performance but the same result at the end of it. We deserved far more than we got today but the bottom line is we have once again walked away with nothing. View attachment 399851
Could it have been any worse? Slightly. Not by much though. I'm not sure what to do to get us out of this. I have never seen us in such a predicament in my time here. I was more confident about our chances this season when we had -15 points. We're a few good results away from a much rosier outlook as the teams directly above us in the league aren't exactly hitting the high notes. I'd hate to pin it on one player but we have missed Jason Holt badly. We had this kind of form at the end of last season when he was out injured. The only way is up, I guess.
Player of the month
I half-thought about skipping this award for this month. No-one has done enough to deserve it. But, Liam Gordon did very well filling in at centre back when we began the season without Brad McKay and Danny Wilson, so he gets it.
On his return from injury against Celtic reserves, Holt is injured again. Out for 3 weeks.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 1-0 Rangers
An excellent performance and we finally get our first win of the season. On paper it looks like a fortunate victory. Rangers were down to ten men after an hour and the winner came courtesy of an own goal from Cammy Bell. The truth is we totally controlled the game and the overall performance was very encouraging indeed. I've no doubt we can do better but to get this monkey off our back was hugely important. The win moves us off the bottom.
The media have started getting on the back of our 17 year old star Andrew Macleod. They seem to be overlooking the fact that 22 year old Benik Afobe has been in far worse form. Andrew knows he has my full backing and I've no doubt that they'll be eating their words soon enough.
On the morning of the Dundee United game, captain Danny Wilson requests a transfer. Without an able replacement, he won't be dropped. By I will certainly be considering his position as captain of this club.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 0-1 Dundee United
A similar narrative returns as we have numerous chances to score but just can't stick it in the net. Gary Mackay-Steven with the only goal of the game early on.
St Johnstone 2-2 Hearts (St Johnstone win 5-4 on penalties)
We were seconds away from a brilliant win in the cup but a 94th minute equaliser from Tom Walsh sent the tie to extra time and ultimately penalties. It was an excellent performance from ourselves. Grant Anderson gave St Johnstone the lead but we hit back through Callum Tapping and Chris Erskine. So close, yet so far. Brad McKay returned to the team, Danny Wilson was dropped from the squad altogether.
A fantastic win in the Edinburgh derby. Chris Erskine gave us a first half lead and we held on for the much needed 3 points. It was a solid performance and a good way to end the month.
A better month but we are still bottom of the league. Even when we have lost this season, some of the performances have been okay. The only difference with our two wins this month is that we've been able to convert the chances. I'm not going to lay the blame at the feet of our strikers as their overall play has been encouraging. Hopefully Jason Holt can get himself back to full fitness and help us along to a good October. The whole situation with Danny Wilson has wound me up no end. A fair few players came to me privately to discuss the teams woes and it was sorted out there and then. Danny's transfer request means he will be out of the squad until further notice. He will most likely be stripped of the captaincy this week too. Liam Gordon has come in to the side and has done a fair job.
Player of the Month
Chris Erskine. Chris hasn't had a decent run in the side since joining us just over a year ago but his performances this season have earned him a place in my first choice 11. He's scored 2 important goals in our last 2 games.
Two wins on the trot! An excellent performance and thankfully we come away with the points too. The first hour of the game was fairly even but I was quite comfortable. Jason Holt, returning from injury, came on and immediately set Callum Tapping through on goal. The midfielder slotted home with ease. Late on David Smith scored a fabulous free-kick to wrap up the win.
We negotiate the transfer of Danny Wilson to Celtic for a fee of ?3m.
Scottish Premier League
Hearts 1-2 Kilmarnock
Not even the return of Jason Holt could stop us from going down to a bad defeat at home. Jude Winchester gave the away side an early lead and we struggled from then on. Macleod did not recover in time for the game so we were forced into playing King up front. We obviously struggled to create but looked to have snatched a late draw through Erskine. It wasn't to be as 2 minutes from time, William Gros snatched all 3 for Kilmarnock.
The board aren't best pleased. Understandably so. I thought I'd have a bit more time but it looks like a bad result against Celtic and I'm gone.
Scottish Premier League
Celtic 5-0 Hearts
Well, that could very well be that. It was always going to be hard away to Celtic in a game defining my position as manager. The damage was done way before today and this is just the final nail in my coffin. Let's see what they say.....
Well, I can't say I'm too surprised. This season has been a total disaster from start to finish. Where did it go wrong? I'd say my failure to adequately strengthen the squad in pre-season was the beginning. I had faith in the current crop and didn't want to upset the rhythm of the previous season. Injuries stripped me of some of my best players and I hoped to just 'get by'. The loss to Austria Vienna hit the team hard and we never really recovered from there. The Danny Wilson incident completely split the squad in two and in hindsight I probably could have handled the situation better. I'm proud of my achievements in the first two seasons. Keeping the club up and finish 7th with a -15 point deduction was brilliant. I'm also glad to have won the League Cup. Ultimately, this season has been woeful and I fully deserve to be sacked.
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