Uncertainty and anxiety for Hearts

Hearts traumatic experience of season 2019/20 has followed them to season 2020/21 but with one significant difference.

Last season Hearts were for the most part, quite awful, and despite some of those of the maroon persuasion being in denial, the Gorgie men seemed destined for relegation and at least a season in the Championship – which is where owner Ann Budge came in six years ago.

Her proposal for league reconstruction was rejected by the SPFL and the club joined forces with Partick Thistle - who were also relegated unfairly - to bring a legal action which is due to be heard in the Court of Session. Hearts are looking to be reinstated to the Premiership and Thistle to the Championship. If not, they will ask for substantial compensation. If neither are forthcoming the drastic action could be to force a delay to the Premiership starting on 1 August, which would be catastrophic for Scottish football. Clubs in the Championship won't start league games until October.

The trauma the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on the world puts Hearts current woes into perspective, but the uncertainty of which division Hearts will be in at the start of the new season has added to the anxiety of the Hearts support.

The Scottish Rugby Union has said it would make BT Murrayfield available to Hearts, and this would certainly help with any social distancing measures that may be required when clubs do return and fans are allowed back inside grounds.

But with the greatest respect, the prospect of facing Alloa Athletic on a wet and windy Wednesday evening at the home of Scottish Rugby will do little to entice Hearts supporters to part with their hard-earned cash.

With any luck, this time next year Hearts will be preparing for a return to the Premiership after winning promotion. But a tough 12 months beckons first.