One look at our bench and rivals will know they’re in deep trouble
Craig: Jambos have tooled-up for title bid
CRAIG HALKETT insists the supporting cast at Hearts are providing their Championship title foundations.
The Jambos skipper believes one look at those who weren’t involved in Friday’s stunning 6-2 dismantling of Dundee is a sign of the strength in depth which can define this season.
That emphatic win in the league opener at Tynecastle only served to reinforce their status as favourites to head straight back to the Premiership.
But Halkett is adamant an all-for-one mentality is the power behind their ambitions, with the likes of Steven Naismith, Peter Haring and Andy Halliday on the bench for the opening night.
He said: “We knew how important the Dundee game was, so to go out and deliver a result like that has laid down a marker.
“It’s been a relief for everyone to get back playing games again but we need to continue building the momentum.
“I’ve spoken before about the impact the manager has made to the atmosphere in the squad, you could see the difference he’s made as it was a performance which showed everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“All of the boys have bought into what he wants us to achieve this season and how we are going to go about it.
“We have a really good squad and it was highlighted by the amount of quality players who didn’t play against Dundee.
“The manager spoke about turning around to look at his bench and seeing six or seven players who could probably have started the game.
“The difference is there is no moping about the dressing room, we all share the same goal, everyone knows they will play a part during the season.
“The sense of expectation and responsibility to bring success this season isn’t lessened by not having fans at games.
“We know the size of the club and what’s demanded of us.
“One look at social media and fan message boards shows you the fans are with us and believe in what we are doing.
“There were 11,500 season tickets sold before the end of August, that shows the size of the club. All of the players are more than aware of that.”
Next up is a trip to Gayfield to face Arbroath on Friday.
And Halkett admits that can provide an acid test for a team which can deliver in bread and butter contests as well as the glamour games.
He said: “The manager has spoken to us about the need for consistency and to keep building on a foundation.
“On Monday we sat and watched the Dundee game again and saw the good things and the not so good. He then told us that game was done, it’s now all about moving onto the next game against Arbroath.
“It’s one thing getting a result on a Friday night on the big stage at Tynecastle live on TV.
“It’s another to do it in games where we are away to the likes of Arbroath and Alloa.
“We know our season will be defined by going to these places, doing the same thing.
“The manager wants us to lay the foundation and build on it as that’s the only way we can get to where we want to go this season – and that’s a return to the Premiership.” The feelgood feeling at the club after an unbeaten Betfred Cup start and the Dundee result is a far cry from a summer of unrest and injustice which Harkett says will stay just under the surface.
He said: “It was a long five or six months off so the Dundee game was the one we had all been looking forward to.
“There are a group of players still here from last season, we haven’t forgotten the feeling of frustration and disappointment from being relegated.
“That has created a feeling within the squad to right a wrong and we will do that with everyone united together.”
JOY OF SIX Halkett in action in Friday’s 6-2 win over Dundee