Deans means success.

Leslie Deans wiped the sweat from his face but the smile could not be removed.

It was almost as if the Hearts chairman had swallowed every drop of the pride and delight which had spilled from the stands and engulfed Celtic Park at tea-time on Saturday.

Like so many of his people, for the first time in his life Deans knew how it felt to be a winner. He was almost ready to burst.

But he was also determined that he won't have to wait so long again.

He said: "This is just the start, we will make sure of that. It won't take Hearts so long to win another trophy.

"What we have done today has been marvellous, we have made the breakthrough.

"Now we must build on this success and make sure we go from strength to strength as a club.

"But for the moment, we just want to enjoy it."

Saturday was an emotional day for Deans and his father, George, who recently won a battle against cancer.

The historical 2-1 win over Rangers secured the Jambos' first silverware since the League Cup triumph of 1962.

Leslie said: "It meant so much to me that my father was at the game. He beat cancer only last year, so it was all a bit emotional."

Once again, Deans mopped his brow and sucked in a deep breath as if trying to find his bearings.

He said: "It is absolutely fabulous - we've waited so long for this.

"The fans have been absolutely magnificent, out of this world, and they deserve this moment.

"I was a fan again myself today. It's 36 years since I first went to Tynecastle and this is the first time I've seen them win anything.

"I just want to enjoy it."

Taken from the Daily Record