Craig getting used to calling Robbo gaffer

BY MARK BONTHRONE

HEARTS star Craig Gordon revealed today that John Robertson’s easy-going approach ensured the transition of changing managers mid-season was a smooth one.

The Jambos’ record goalscorer has been in the Tynecastle hotseat for two weeks and is slowly beginning to stamp his authority on various aspects of the way the club is run.

The introduction of a new boss at a crucial time for the Tynecastle outfit could have upset the teams rhythm but Scotland internationalist Gordon says the manager’s relaxed manner has allowed the players to maintain the momentum built up under his predecessor Craig Levein.

Indeed, Gordon, a lifelong Hearts fan, revealed the only difficulty he is having is what to call his new boss.

"Being a big Hearts fan it’s been quite difficult and strange to call him gaffer and not Robbo as that’s how I always referred to him when I was watching him as a player," he said.

"He’s come in and he’s tried to keep a lot of things the same and we’re doing a lot of the same stuff as after all we were successful under Craig.

"But he has indicated that he wants us to try and pass the ball a bit more and I think as time goes on he’s putting more and more of his own input into things.

"He’s made the transition pretty easy for the players as he’s so bubbly in and around the dressing room which helps everyone to relax.

"I know for the fans as well that it’s extremely special to have him here after everything he achieved as a player. And if he can be half as successful as he was when he was a player here then he’ll be some manager for the club."

Gordon revealed that one ambition that Robertson shares with his predecessor Levein is for the club to cut the gap with the Old Firm.

"The manager has indicated that is something he wants us to do and there have been signs we are slowly getting there.

"I know some people have suggested we have had a stuttering start to the season but we’re still in Europe and in a semi-final of a cup so that can’t be a bad season.

"We may have picked up some points through pure effort rather than good football but that’s the sign of a good side sometimes when you are capable of grinding out results.

"Closing the gap on the Old Firm is the next target and although it won’t be easy you have to aim high."

And ambition is something Gordon is not short of and despite only being 21 he admits to being slightly disappointed not to have won his sixth international cap in Wednesday night’s match with Sweden at Easter Road.

"It’s always disappointing not to play a game although at least I knew beforehand that I wasn’t going to be involved.

"Tommy Burns had valid reasons for selecting David Marshall as he wanted him to gain more international experience and that’s fair enough.

"But I want to play every game if I can and hopefully I can make it impossible to be left out through my form with Hearts."

Taken from the Scotsman