Hearts top of the pack

Three points clear and unbeaten after more than a quarter of the campaign, they have shown few signs of weakness thus far.

Burley has defied the doubters by building an impressive team around a core of Scottish internationals using a handful of loan signings and Bosman transfers.

He has illustrated why he was held in such high regard as a manager in England by identifying top quality players and persuading them to join the Vladimir Romanov-inspired revolution at Tynecastle.

Romanov's influence cannot be overstated. The Lithuanian businessman has provided the manager with the finances with which to put together a team capable of challenging the Old Firm's dominance of Scottish football.

Hearts have not been lavish in terms of transfer fees, but Romanov is paying wages comparable with some of those at their more illustrious Glasgow rivals.

Much has been made of Romanov's "meddling" in team affairs, with players like Ibrahim Tall and Samuel Camazzola identified and signed by the major shareholder.

But Burley has handled the situation admirably and while the club remain at the top of the league, few supporters will quibble with the current arrangement.

Certainly while players of the calibre of Rudi Skacel, Roman Bednar and Julien Brellier are being brought to Tynecastle, the Hearts faithful will continue to voice their vociferous support.

While none of these players were household names - and probably remain relatively unknown outside Scotland and their native countries - they are highly talented and would be assets to either Rangers' or Celtic's squads.

Burley's and his assistant manager/chief scout Simon Hunt's knowledge of the world game meant they were able to identify talent that would not cost millions yet would significantly improve Hearts' squad.

Clearly, having set such high standards and surpassed their own expectations, the challenge for Hearts is to sustain their form for the entire season.

Burley maintains that he would consider a third-place finish as a success, but with his team currently seven points ahead of third-place Hibs and nine ahead of Rangers, there is no reason to suspect that they are not capable of more.

The manager has stressed that his squad requires strengthening if they are to seriously challenge for the title and if Romanov is willing to finance another couple of signings, Burley may have to set his sights a little higher.

One thing is certain. Hearts' improvement has coincided with a diminishing of the Old Firm's potency.

Rangers are yet to hit a decent run of form in the league and though Celtic have improved as the season has gone on, their squad is not as strong as in recent seasons.

At the very least, Hearts look certain to make this year's SPL title chase a three-horse race (or four if Hibs maintain their form) and they could yet provide their fans with the trophy they have yearned for for 45 years.

Taken from the BBC