PerfectpitchwillensuremyHeartsareonsong
IAN CATHRO insists the Hearts board’s decision to rip up the rutted Tynecastle pitch and splash out on a new one is a sign of the club’s ambition.
And the Gorgie gaffer has urged his Jambos players to make the most of it after being given the best possible chance to achieve success this season.
Owner Ann Budge has taken swift action after Cathro’s complaints over the surface in recent weeks that has hampered the Jambos’ chances of Scottish Cup glory and Europa League qualification.
Hearts are still considering a hybrid surface in the long term but Cathro applauded the club for investing a six-figure sum on a temporary solution before they reevaluate in 18 months.
The Jambos have the incentive of a home Scottish Cup quarterfinal against Ayr next month if they can see off Hibs in tomorrow night’s replay at Easter Road.
And Cathro said: “We had a problem with the pitch and the club are making a significant investment in an effort to address the situation which is in a tough time period with all the games we’ve got.
“We’ve got to be pleased about that and work together to have it ready for the game a week on Wednesday. To be able to act so quickly is a fantastic thing and I can’t imagine many clubs would be in the position to do so.
“Will it give us a better chance of success this season? Of course because it was more difficult.
“But we can’t go too far into thinking that’s the case as no matter what happens we have games to play on whatever surface and we need to win them.
“There’s a point where you can’t do anything about it. You just have to win. But you still need to give players the best possible chance.”