NO DOUBTS MACKAY WAS HERO

HEARTS and Scotland legend Dave Mackay had the only puff of his life the day he skippered the club to their league title triumph in 1958.

But if his boyhood heroes emulate that feat this season to become the first non-Old Firm champions in 20 years he won't be tempted to have another celebration cigar.

He has even forgiven Jambos boss George Burley for walking out on Mackay's adopted club Derby.

And Dave's delighted the Tynecastle side have taken the SPL by storm with five wins out of five to sit proudly top of the league.

And while many have written off their chances of upsetting the odds he sees no reason they can't stage a repeat of '58.

Mackay said: "Hearts have started the season with a bang and are scoring a lot of goals like we did when we won the league in 1958.

"No-one believed we'd win it, not even me. It had been 61 years since we'd last won it but not only did we upset the Old Firm we also did it in style.

"We had the Terrible Trio - Alfie Conn, Willie Bauld, and Jimmy Wardhaugh - in attack and teams hated them.

"Now Hearts seem to have another bunch of quality players up front and if they can keep on winning games by big margins they can clinch the title"It would be great to watch. I achieved a lot in football but my greatest moment was captaining that side in 1958.

"I was only 23 but I listened to my dad's advice never to smoke or drink.

"That changed the day we won the league. I was on such a high I was influenced by others and before I knew it I had a whisky in one hand, champagne in the other and a cigar in my mouth "I've never had another glass of whisky since and never smoked because I hate them and even if Hearts win the league I won't try them."

Mackay will watch today's live Setanta clash with Livi from his Derby home but will be at Tynecastle as a special guest for the visit of defending champions Rangers.

The 71-year-old said: "I go to all Derby's home matches and when George left I was devastated. A few weeks later he turned up as Hearts manager and I was ecstatic.

"It was obvious he'd do well. He has an impressive record and is still a young and ambitious manager. He plays the style of football I love

Taken from the Sunday Mail