Hearts: Gorgie side might just go all the way
July 27 2006
Prediction: 3rd
Twelve months ago, Hearts' title ambitions appeared to have as much credibility as the recent revelation that the club's owner, Vladimir Romanov, plots Scottish Premier League domination from a one-bedroomed flat in Kaunas. Granted there had been some promising arrivals at Tynecastle in the ample shape of Champions League-winner Edgaras Jankauskas, a smattering of east Europeans and, most impressively, the former Derby County manager
George Burley, but the consensus among observers was that, at best, Hearts were in good shape for UEFA Cup qualification and an outside shot at one of the cups.
Fast forward a year and the belief around Tynecastle is not only that Hearts, at 9/1, represent great value for the title but that they can reach the group stages of the Champions League. A quiet spell on the transfer front has, somewhat ironically, given cause for hope among the Gorgie faithful.
The jumble-sale purchasing policy employed by Romanov in last January's transfer window undoubtedly had a disruptive influence on the squad and, while the owner has subsequently blamed Graham Rix for the arrival of a complete team, it is unlikely the Englishman had heard of, for example, Martin Petras, before his arrival at the club.
There are grounds for optimism in the travails of others, too. Celtic were never fully convincing as champions last time around, Rangers find themselves in a period of transition, and the threat from across the city is diminished somewhat by the departures of Garry O'Connor and Derek Riordan from Hibs.
Stability is the key this time. Their campaign began to waver with the departure of Burley, worsened following the departures of Phil Anderton, the chief executive, and George Foulkes, the chairman, and gradually unravelled before finally falling apart under Rix.
Crucially, his successor Valdas Ivanauskas appears to have the support of the players. He restored order following the Rix debacle and showed his tactical worth as he helped secure the club's first trophy since the 1998 Tennents Scottish Cup win, though Rix may feel he was just as influential.
Provided Romanov is patient with his compatriot, Hearts might just go all the way. If he's not, it could be another season of turmoil.
Taken from the Herald
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