Jambos urged to hail players in final game

PAUL KIDDIE

FORMER Hearts star Dave McPherson today urged fans to ditch their demonstrations during the SPL visit of Motherwell in appreciation of the team’s efforts this season.

Craig Levein’s side brings the curtain down on another successful campaign against the Steelmen tomorrow, with third place and a return to Europe already safely in the bag.

Victory over the Fir Parkers will give Hearts a record points haul in the Premier League, beating the 67 points gathered in season 1997-98.

This season’s feat is all the more remarkable for Levein and his men given the fact it has been achieved against a backdrop of seemingly constant off-field turmoil with fans regularly protesting against the club’s plan to sell Tynecastle and relocate to Murrayfield.

But McPherson insists the players deserve the complete backing from the Gorgie faithful tomorrow as they attempt to end the season on a real high.

"Now the team is staying at Tynecastle, it’s vital the supporters get behind the team," he said.

"They have been a lot of protests during games recently and the supporters have made their point.

"But it’s the job of the players to play football. And it is difficult for them to do that when there are political problems off the park as there is no doubt that fans can affect what goes on out on the pitch.

"The negativity coming down from the stands has an effect on players in my view and I think the supporters should forget about any demonstrations during tomorrow’s game and show their appreciation for the achievements of Craig Levein, his management team and the players for qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the second successive season."

He added: "It’s the last match of the season and it would be great if Hearts could wrap everything up with another good result after their win at Ibrox."

McPherson’s plea, though, is set to be ignored by the fans who are going ahead with plans for a further protest against chief executive Chris Robinson. Fans are rallying at the winter gardens in Saughton Park at noon tomorrow when there will be various children’s events run simultaneously to celebrity speakers addressing the supporters before a march along Gorgie Road (1.30pm start) to the main stand at Tynecastle.

In addition, around 6000 balloons - with "Get this balloon out of Tynecastle" emblazoned on them - are to be distributed throughout the day, with fans asked to release them as the team runs out for the start of the second half of the Motherwell clash.

Taken from the Scotsman