John's pride

17.11.2012

Hearts boss John McGlynn was a very proud man as his team delivered a crucial 1-0 victory over St Mirren in front of an absolutely packed Tynecastle.

Danny Grainger's second half free kick was the difference in a tight game, as the Jambos earned only their 2nd win in 7 to consign the Buddies to their 6th defeat on the bounce.

Chatting to journalists after the game, John directed his first words of praise to the wonderful Heart of Midlothian supporters who outdid themselves yet again by almost singlehandedly dragging the club from the brink with some magnificent fundraising efforts.

"We can't thank the fans enough for their support. To raise half a million pounds in shares alone, then deliver a sell-out crowd, they deserved a good victory."

"We have to put a brave face on, but the money that's been raised has bought us some breathing space. There's still a long way to go, but if anyone else can still muster up the money please do, because we're not out of the woods yet."

On the park, the Jambos' misfortune in front of goal continued, with the winning goal requiring a rather large deflection en route to the back of Craig Samson's net. Despite this, the gaffer felt his team had earned their fair share of good fortune.

"We were due a bit of luck, although Danny Lennon will disagree," said John. "It was enough to win the match. We might have gotten another goal, Andy Driver's missed a great chance, we had a shout for handball too."

Finally, supporters turning up at Tynecastle today would have been pleasantly surprised to see a very youthful line-up, including first Tynecastle starts for young stars Jason Holt, Jamie Walker and Dylan McGowan. WIth Holt and Walker earning man of the match awards from the club sponsors, John revealed his young players could expect to retain their places if their good form continued.

"Jason Holt is a real talent. He played for Scotland U21s in midweek and tired a bit at the end, he did exceptionally well though. If he, and the other young players produce the goods they'll get their chance."

"Dylan McGowan played the 2nd half at Inverness and did very well and we stuck by him, and Jamie Walker scored a hat-trick for the U20s on Tuesday so he deserved his chance."

Hearts World