Pressley has heart set on tackling the Old Firm

MOIRA GORDON

AVARICE, envy and pride are said to be the three vital sparks to set the hearts of all on fire. As the first Edinburgh derby of the season approaches, Hibs may lust after the spending power of their city rivals, but when it comes to firing up Hearts, it's the latter two emotions which will, undoubtedly, ignite the Tynecastle tinderbox.

A team which had grown accustomed to third position in the Premierleague and the luxury of European football, Hearts were forced to settle for fifth place last season and had the misery compounded by the fact that it was their capital adversaries who assumed their mantle of 'best of the rest' and consequentially await their UEFA Cup venture.

The role of European spectator is not one the Gorgie rank and file are contemplating with relish. "We experienced European football last season and the group stages of the UEFA Cup," says captain Steven Pressley, "and, to be honest, it was a fantastic journey for us all and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

"We're very envious of Hibs having their European games coming up and we're determined to gain that again next season. Even the likes of next week, our game against Dundee United has been put back to the Sunday because of their European adventure, so that's just a small reminder to ourselves where we want to be."

It may be early days but Pressley is not the only one who believes Hearts' desires may be satisfied. With more than 10,000 season tickets sold and a sell-out crowd cramming into Tynecastle today, there is heightened sense of expectancy. It hasn't sneaked in unnoticed.

"It's the first time in six or seven years that there's been this sense of optimism and that's been reflected in the season ticket sales," says Pressley, who can't help but smile at the notion of finally going into a season without the distractions of off-field bitterness between board and support. It is also, he claims, a novelty to be starting a campaign where the owners have managed to hold on to the best players and actually bolster the squad rather that selling it off piecemeal.

His Scotland international colleague Andy Webster was the latest to be linked with a move but the fellow defender is delighted Hearts proved ambitious enough to hold on to one of their prime assets.

"I'm delighted Andy is staying, it's not been an easy situation for him. He's been a fantastic player and I've thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside him and watching him grow into the player he has. If we are to move forward as a team and challenge the Old Firm then you must understand the club's point of view in keeping hold of these players."

The promise to retain the services of the best players was just one made by Vladimir Romanov when he assumed control and it's not the only one he has delivered on. "The new owners have been true to their word in bringing in the players they said they would bring in and in return the fans have showed their loyalty and responded," says Pressley. "The supporters are on a high but I think we have to be careful because we're at the early stages of team development. There's a lot of hard work ahead of us and we're well aware of that, the derby will be a real test for us.

"The important thing is that the fans don't expect too much too soon. Yes, I believe we're going in the right direction and, yes, I believe we've brought in excellent quality players, but teams don't gel overnight and the fans must be patient."

Forbearance on derby day is a tall order but apparently no taller than the one tabled by Hearts' free-spending owner, who aims to challenge the Old Firm's duopoly. There are plenty who have scoffed at the idea but Pressley isn't one.

"I believe it can happen every season. A wee reminder to us was a couple of seasons ago when we were near Rangers after five or six games, had the opportunity to go above them with a win at Tynecastle but lost 4-0. I believe the Old Firm are thinking 'we've seen it before' and the only way we can change that is with results on the football park and against them. We've said we're looking to challenge them and we're desperate to close the gap but the proof will be in the pudding, whether we can sustain any sort of challenge and get the results to push us."

With half a dozen new faces already in to improve the squad, the captain says he would wager more following in the January transfer window if the team offered any indication of achieving the goal. "Trophies aren't handed out until May but if we're not in contention then, then there's no chance. It's a big ask but we're looking to improve and it would be fantastic for Scottish football. It would be good for the monotony to be broken - whether it's ourselves, Hibs or Dundee United, but we need sides outside the Old Firm making some sort of sustained challenge.

"I don't believe within our dressing room we've ever feared the Old Firm. Of course we've always respected them because of what they've achieved but we don't fear them."

And no-one in maroon is fearful of the Hibs flair either. "Hibs have gained the reputation for being an attractive footballing side but our acquisitions are all capable footballers. Derby games are hectic and fast flowing and I'm sure there will be a few tackles going in. The thing about our signings is that they do have experience of big games and that should be in our favour.

"People say that derby games are still only three points but it goes a lot further than that. In terms of supporters it gives them a great lift if you win, and it can help gain momentum for the rest of the season. I think the players are aware of the importance of the game.

"But our concern isn't Hibs. They will be up there but our concern is ourselves, to focus and achieve as many points as possible to put together a run."

Fuelled by envy and pride, there's fire in the Hearts belly.

Taken from the Scotsman