HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN
LAST SEASON
PREMIERSHIP 6th SCOTTISH CUP Runners-up LEAGUE CUP Semi-finals TOP SCORER Steven Naismith (14)
FANFILE JAMIE DEVLIN @Jamiedevlin1988
The big talking point among the fans is the need for vast improvement to the squad. Hearts’ lack of strength in depth showed badly last season.
I won’t be happy unless we push Aberdeen and Rangers for Europe and pick up some longed-for silverware. Our most underrated player is Michael Smith. He replaced Callum Paterson at right-back, which was a massive ask, but he is Mr Reliable. Look out for Aaron Hickey. He started the Scottish Cup final aged just 16. The best away ground is Easter Road. Nothing beats Edinburgh Derby day. The best away fans are Aberdeen’s. Despite the journey, the numbers and atmosphere they bring are fantastic. Our best celebrity fan is Team GB 400m hurdler Eilidh Doyle.
The one change I’d make to the club would be to introduce safe standing. The best club social media account is @Amoruso1998, featuring videos of classic matches. A must-follow. The opposition player I secretly admire is Kilmarnock left-back Greg Taylor, who has a massive future ahead of him. Rightly got capped for Scotland at the end of the season. The signature local dish is anything from the Curry Shed in the Wheatfield Stand. Essential matchday eating. The other recommendation for away fans is the Gorgie Fish Bar, a fantastic chip shop on Gorgie Road. Our key player will be Peter Haring, if we don’t snap up Steven Naismith [below] on a permanent deal. Haring is important in the middle of midfield. We missed his calmness and creativity when he got injured.
The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is on the wane. I was initially happy with Craig Levein, but he starts the season under pressure. His first substitution is too often around the 75th minute, with the game already gone.
If he left, he should be replaced by Gary Holt from Livingston, who has been great with limited resources and has got a lot from an average squad. We’ll finish 3rd. We’ve been average for the last two or three years, but should be a lot stronger this season.