AWAY RUN WILL HELP A TYNIE BIT
JIM JEFFERIES knows better than most the power of a packed Tynecastle – it can be inspirational for Hearts but have the opposite effect if it’s full of angry supporters.
So he can see why new boss Craig Levein has targeted a nine-game run – once they get back to their revamped home in November – as a key spell to get Hearts’ patched-up bandwagon rolling ahead.
But first up is a tricky run of five away games and three matches at their temporary Murrayfield home.
And Jefferies warned Levein – set to add Ross Callachan from Raith Rovers to his squad today – must deliver good results in that time to win over any fans unconvinced by his return to the dugout.
The ex-Tynecastle player and boss said: “It’s a difficult period for Hearts just now.
“That just means that by the time they get to that big run of games at Tynecastle in November and December they will need to take advantage of that.
“To increase his chances of being able to do that Levein will need results quickly in these away games and at Murrayfield in order to win over the fans before they go back. Fans will come to the new stadium.
“But if the team’s not going well it could be a difficult atmosphere. You don’t want a capacity crowd of angry punters.
“As much as it’s a great atmosphere at Tynecastle – one of the best in the country – it can be a hard environment. It can turn the other way.
“If the team aren’t getting results going into that period at home they’ll be under pressure. But I know the Hearts fans. When they do get back home they’ll do their best to make sure they rally round the team.”
Levein is poised to beat the transfer deadline and make his first signing as Hearts’ new boss with the capture of Callachan from Stark’s Park.
The attacking midfielder, 23, had been under contract at Rovers until next year.