Pressley's bullish response to critics who say Hearts are on slide

DARREN JOHNSTONE

HEARTS manager John Robertson and captain Steven Pressley have launched a combined attack on critics who have suggested the team are on a slippery slope to mediocrity.

Pressley’s outburst was particularly surprising given his usual tranquil and reserved demeanour. He described such talk as "bull****" and manager Robertson promptly backed his skipper’s claims when asked if he felt they had been unfairly berated.

"I think we have read and heard a lot of bull**** about the club over a wee while, but there is a lot to be positive about," said Pressley, who will be in the Hearts side to face Dundee today. "We are still fighting on all fronts domestically, so I cannot for the life of me understand why we have received criticism. At this moment in time we are probably the only Scottish side that can make an impact on all three competitions.

"We have the semi-finals of the CIS Cup to look forward to, we progressed during the week in the Scottish Cup, and I believe we are still in a position where we can achieve UEFA Cup qualification through the league, so there is a lot to be positive about.

"The off field on-goings have overshadowed the team for a long period of time, our supporters have got their wish with the reversal of the decision to sell Tynecastle, so that’s again positive for the club.

"We also have Mr Romanov coming in. He has spoken very positively about the future of the club and that, in itself, is great news. There are a lot of things going on at this moment in time that we should be positive about."

Pressley, who confirmed further talks over a new contract had taken place, was no doubt speaking on behalf of the rest of the squad given his role as the most senior player in the dressing room at Tynecastle.

The skipper’s comments were strengthened by Robertson’s suggestion that Hearts are an easy target for critics given their standing as Scotland’s ‘third force’ over the past two seasons.

"It’s the high standards Hearts have set, when they drop in the league people want to knock them very quickly," said Robertson. "It’s the same in any sport when someone does particularly well.

"Look at Colin Montgomerie in golf and Tim Henman in tennis. Everyone wants them to do well and everyone supports them. But when they are not doing well people tend to jump on them and slaughter them when they are still trying their best."

Taken from the Scotsman