New gaffer can get Jambos fans onside at last
GARY MACKAY has backed new Hearts manager Daniel Stendel to galvanise the team and the supporters.
The German inherits a side who sit level on points with Hamilton and St Johnstone at the bottom of the table.
Stendel led Barnsley to the English Championship last summer and formed a strong bond with their support during his 16-month reign. Tykes fans
BY ALAN MARSHALL were outraged when he was sacked in October.
And Mackay, Hearts’ all-time appearance record holder, said: “It’s great he had a positive relationship with Barnsley fans.
“That’s what the Hearts supporters are crying out for right now, somebody who will engage with the fans, not only with his personality but with the personality of the football team. There has been a lack of that engagement between the players and the fans.
“It’s up to him to identify a style of play that will enthuse the supporters, get positive results and get everybody on side.
“The Hearts fans are screaming to get onside with a manager. Let’s hope he can produce a style of play that allows that to happen. It’s onwards and upwards hopefully.”
But with confidence low among the squad, Mackay has warned punters not to expect an overnight fix.
He added: “The main concern for him coming in is the league position and how he improves that. I wouldn’t expect miracles from the man right away but it’s important we have someone now who we recognise as the first-team manager.”