Hearts’ troubles give Dundee opportunity

You never say never in Scottish football.

But given the fact that reconstruction didn’t even get to the point of a vote being held a couple of weeks ago, I’d be surprised if Ann Budge is able to come up with an 11th hour proposal that gets the support it needs to happen in time to save Hearts from relegation.

I also have my doubts about whether they would go down the legal route.

There will come a time when they’ll have to accept they are playing in the Championship, whether you think that’s unfair or not.

The longer they put their fingers in their ears at Tynecastle, though, the better it is for Dundee.

People remember the Hearts team that ran away with the title under Robbie Neilson but those were totally different times.

There was a feelgood factor after the club was saved and they had a clear plan of how they were going to revive it.

I don’t get that impression just now. We don’t know who the manager will be, what the financial situation will be and what players will be left.

That represents an opportunity for Dundee.

James McPake has had a season to learn the job and from his mistakes. He’ll be a much better manager for that.

There won’t be anything like the same turnover of players compared to last summer – or compared to Hearts this summer – and they were already starting to show proper form before the shutdown.

Dundee United proved how important getting off to a fast start is in that league. They also showed in the first couple of seasons after they went down that being in transition and everybody not pulling in the same direction can hold you back.

With so many unknowns about Hearts, Dundee are in a great position to be ready to hit the ground running and turn the pressure up on their main rivals from the word go.

Pressure ramped up on Rangers

Talking of pressure, it’s going to be enormous for Steven Gerrard and Rangers next season.

I think Celtic will be even stronger favourites for the title going for 10-in-arow than they were for nine.

The consistency, experience and stability of this squad would stand them in good stead even if these were normal times.

But add into the mix this lockdown and the uncertainty that creates, and it becomes even more significant.

I’m delighted for my pal Lenny – I know how much winning the league will mean to him.

Forget talk of asterisks and tainted titles. There wasn’t a chance Celtic were getting caught and you can bet your bottom dollar that if the pandemic had come during the winter break, Rangers would have gladly taken the league being awarded to them.

Neil’s already said that he feels there is more to come from the team and that he doesn’t envisage much transfer business.

There will be a much bigger transition at Ibrox and time will tell if that strengthen Rangers or actually weakens them.

I also think you need to factor in that Dermot Desmond will spend money if he feels, guided by Neil, that it’s needed.

They all know that getting to 10 will make them Celtic idols forever.

James McPake has had a season to learn the job and from his mistakes. He’ll be a much better manager for that

Picture: SNS. Daniel Stendel: Doubts over whether he will be Hearts manager in the Championship next season.