Derby win can silence Neilson doubters
WIN the first Edinburgh derby of the season tomorrow and Hearts fans will owe manager Robbie Neilson an apology. Six months ago, a small band of acne-scarred malcontents gathered outside Tynecastle bearing pitchforks before a game against Queen of the South. The club had suffered an embarrassing Scottish Cup exit to Highland League Brora Rangers. And the whiff of cordite in the Gorgie air became overpowering after a 3-2 home defeat to the Doonhamers. ‘Budge Over, Neilson out’ proclaimed banners echoing the air of rebellion coursing through the Jambos support. Promotion back to the Premiership after the anguish of last year brought little in the way of respite or gratitude. Before a ball was kicked this season, Neilson already felt like a man living on borrowed time. Kudos, then, for confounding the naysayers — and his team’s fans — by winning the Glen’s Vodka Manager of the Month award. It’s too soon to hang out the bunting yet. Columns like this have gone too early with talk of serious Hearts charges before. Usually just before the collapse starts in October. Nevertheless, the Gorgie outfit host Hibs as joint leaders of the Premiership tomorrow after an unbeaten start to the season. The handover of shares to the
Foundation of Hearts fan group is complete. And, after an awful year or two, Hearts have their mojo back. So much so that hostilities have started early ahead of the first capital derby of the season. Sporting director Joe Savage claimed the Jambos had seen off a late challenge for new midfielder Barrie McKay from their bitter rivals in Leith. They’ve still to kick a ball in anger. And it’s already Hearts 1 Hibs 0.