ROBERTSON SHAME AT JAMBOS DEFEAT

Hearts head coach John Robertson described his players' performance in the 2-0 defeat at Motherwell as an "embarrassment" - but insisted the blame rested solely with himself.

Well cruised to their fourth victory of the season over the Jambos thanks to first-half goals from Scott McDonald and Marc Fitzpatrick.

Hearts rarely threatened and Robertson promised the fans he would make sure future performances would be much better.

He said: "I thought Motherwell were the better team from start to finish, there is absolutely no doubt about that.

"It was an embarrassing performance but I take full responsibility. I pick the team, I prepare the team and I decide the tactics we play - and obviously today I got it wrong.

"I apologise to the Hearts fans and I will make sure they don't have another performance like that.

"I don't want to blame the players on this. I think they have seen us through for a long time now. It is myself that takes the responsibility of a poor performance.

"We will have a chat with the players on Monday and work very hard to make sure that the things that let us down today don't resurface."

It was Well's first Bank of Scotland Premier League victory since December 11, when Livingston were beaten 2-0 at Fir Park.

Manager Terry Butcher was delighted with his side's efforts, which consolidated their position in sixth place on a day when challengers Kilmarnock also won.

He said: "I thought we played very well today. I was delighted with the work-rate first and foremost.

"It was a very solid team performance and we got a clean sheet as well. I'm really thrilled because if you let Hearts play they can destroy you.

"I said to the lads beforehand to make sure it was our day because a lot of people were talking about Hearts. It was a big win for us."

Well could also afford the luxury of an unsuccessful Jim Hamilton spot-kick, with the transfer-window signing from Livingston having prevented regular penalty-taker Kevin McBride from taking it.

Butcher said: "I asked beforehand who wanted to take a penalty and McBride and Hamilton put their hands up.

"I thought it wouldn't be a problem as we don't often get penalties.

"But we have had four penalties in four games against Hearts - and now we have missed one.

"Jim Hamilton got the ball and wouldn't give it away. I thought at the time 'go on then, score your first goal for the club' but he won't take another one again."

Taken from sportinglife.com