[FM18] Home Is Where The Heart Is

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We take charge of my team a Heart of Midlothian a club with a decorated history being the oldest club from the Scottish capital Edinburgh. Formed in 1874 hearts play there home games at tynecastle park which is currently under renovation forcing the club to start the season away from home in the first 14 games. Hearts have won the top league in Scotland 4 times the last coming in the 1959-1960 season. After the legendary Vladimir Romanovo rein where he  chucked money at the club to challenge the old firm it came to an abrupt end 2013 with debts of 25 million pound and romanovo on the run after being declared bankrupt the foundation of hearts was born. The foundation of hearts was the supporters trust were fans pledged money to the club to save it from extinction with the help of ann budge the club was saved but relegation followed in 2014 after a point deduction. Returning at the first time of asking under the guidance of Robbie Neilson. Neilson left for mk dons hearts replacement was young ian cathro a great cv and dubbed the messiah of Scottish football having been number 2 at Valencia and Newcastle but it wasn't to be he drafted in a lot of poor foreigners in the January window which couldn't make the grade and he lost his job pre season. Craig Levein took the reins but after a bad start and boring long ball football the board appointed.

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Steve Fulton Aka Baggio comes in to take over a Scottish cup winning legend from 98. After a few years managing Falkirk youth sides hes took the plunge into management at his old club. His vison is to break Celtics recent dominance and constantly challenge the old firm as rangers strengthen. By only using British players.

He is a manger that is strong on youth development but appreciates an older head as well to guide the young lads threw. After the boring long ball of levein he is looking to play a good brand of ball on the deck and is an advocate of playing out from the back. His first task will be selling all the foreign players and brining in some British lads to get us underway.

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The Club

The Trophy cabinet is definitely needing upgraded but none the less decent in a nation dominated by the big 2 in the shape of the old firm.

Great facilities we are a club well know for producing good youngsters. Superb training and excellent youth will be a making use of this. The stadium is under expansion bring all the stands up to date after the old shed (main stand) was knocked down at the end of the season exciting times off the pitch need to match it on the pitch.

Finances are healthy should be debt free by 2020 and with the sale of the foreign players sill to come and re investment in talented youth we should be in a good position.

 

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Squad Analysis 

Goalkeepers

4 keeper noring will be sold as foreign. Gallacher is goalkeeper coach so may be moved on in the staff revamp. Its a battle between the Hamilton who has potential against a more well rounded goalie in McLaughlin 

Hamilton

McLaughlin 

Defenders

Nowak and grezlak will be sold. solid options at right back in randall and smith. centre half partnership of club captain berra and souttar looks solid hughes will be a role model but need more cover left back we are painfully thin smith brown on loan is not first team level first area we need to solve.

Randall

Smith

Souttar

Berra

Hughes

Smith-Brown

Midfielders

Martin,bauben and djoum will all be sold leaving us very bare in the midfield but the funds will be re invested and we will aim to secure young talent. walker is the best player in the team getting him on a new deal will be massive. callachan is well rounded midfielder and is a hearts fan he will be a solid rotation option. cowie is old and will be used as a role model. Lots of work to be done in this area of the side.

Walker

Callachan

Cowie

Strikers

Goncalves will be sold. lafferty will lead the line Stockton is a backup option we need to get a pacey striker in to give us a different option.

Lafferty

Stockton

Youth Prospects

Harry Cochrane

already played for the first team in real life looks like he could be a star cowie will take him under his wing.

Euan Henderson

Another who has already played in the first team in real life walker will show this lad the ropes.

Hierarchy 

no one opposes me but may change when the foreign boys are moved on.

 

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Pre Season

Solid pre season from the boys. 6 wins and 1 defeat good wins against Slovan and  Oostende clubs of a similar grade as us. Whitehall was a chance for the young/fringe players show us. Tour of northern island seen the new guys bed in and a lot of rotation very happy with how it went specially against Coleraine where we fielded a whole team of players under 19. We held schalke 1-1 at half time but after changes we dropped off but none the less positives to take from the first half. Was very impressed with young Henderson who grabbed himself a couple of goals coming in from the left. Cochrane set up a few as well playing in the deep lying playmaker role. Lafferty bagged 6 goals in pre season along with new singing ryan hardie grabbing 3 as well.

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The draw for the betfred cup has been made!!

AND HIBS AWAY IS ON!!

for anyone who follows Scottish football hearts dominate this fierce derby overall on wins. But in recent years hibs have not been beaten in 8. time to get the fans on side early doors. losing to hibs was ultimately Robbie neilson biggest problem as hearts boss and some sections of the fans turned against him for this. Flying a plane over tynecastle with a banner reading no style no bottle neilson out. Steve "baggio" Fulton wants to rectify this at the earliest opportunity. I had planned on the playing the kids/fringe players In this cup but may scrap that with hibs in the group. 

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Staff revamp some great coaches join fulton. Mcpherson joins as assistant manager him and fulton worked together with the youth sides at Falkirk. Club legend Colin Cameron joins the coaching side along with striker coach Allan Russell and Billy Davies who knows Scottish football well and was linked with the manager position here recently. Ex arsenal fitness coach Mark Armitage comes in also alongside ex man united youth goalie coach and ex stoke head of youth development David Wright rounds of the senior coaching staff very happy with this group. We cant expand the coaches just yet but have a few lined up to come in when we can. Derek Langley once of man united comes in to lead a scouting team of Peter Mead, Alan Morrison, Mick King and Andrew Main. Andy Renshaw joins the medical team. The data team is now lead by Davitt Mcdaid and he's recruited Adrian Crawford and John Crawford on the youth side. Paul Driver joins Andy kirks team in the 20,s as assistant along with Tony Hayes and Motherwell legend Martyn Corrigan. I will show some of the key staff now.

Coaching Team

Good spread of coaching ability but still needs improvement if we are to close the gap to Celtic. Great to see we have the best attacking coaches as that ties in with trying to play better football along with fitness and tactical. Once we can expand I have people ear marked for all the lower areas.

Craig McPherson

Fulton's new right hand man attacking play mentality likes the 4231 which is what we will play. Determined and excellent with youngsters and defensive coach and knows Scottish football.

David Wright

Absolute find for hearts working at stoke not so long ago this man can surely bring threw some gems. little bit worried about the determination but his working with youngsters and judging ability and potential out way it along with his like for an attacking mentality .

Jack Robinson

Outstanding goalkeeping coach his CV speaks for itself working with young guys previously ties in well with the club. Fairly determined personality followed up with great determination, motivating , GK attributes and working with youngsters and again attacking mentality. Delighted with this capture hopefully he's around for many years to come. will be looking to add another in the future to work alongside him.

Mark Armitage

Still a young man and has recently worked at arsenal good fitness stats and good working with youngsters slightly worried about the motivating but think we have a professional enough squad to get the drills done. In the future will be looking to add another one along side him to work together.

Allan Russell

Superior striker coach comes in another great capture specially be Scottish pretty sure IRL he is England stirker coach. high attacking and technical working with youngsters is great again along with level of discipline. great coup for us hopefully he can get Lafferty and hardie firing on all cylinders.

Colin Cameron

Colin "mickey" Cameron another club legend of the 98 winning cup side a fantastic player for hearts. He's been playing/managing in the lower levels of Scottish football he knows our game. Great with the youngsters very determined and a disciplinarian decent attacking and defending and a resolute attitude a great add to the team and another attacking mentality.

 Billy Davies

Linked with the hearts job recently IRL a good addition plenty experience in Scottish football. well rounded stats love his ambitious personality determination is good again and all coaching stats are of a decent standard. I think we need another 2 standard coaches to join the team along with a keeper coach and another fitness coach but all in good time

Medical Team

Best sports science in the league and the physiotherapy isn't far behind one more addition will see us top both.

Karen Gibson

Solid head physio

Jimmy Heffernan

Head of sports science is spot on look at they mentals!!

Andy Renshaw

The ex Liverpool man will eventually become head physio outstanding physiotherapy and sports science.

Kevin O'Connor

Rounds of the medical team nicely great sports scientist strong mental's as well.

Scouting Team

Best in all categories throughout the league still needs work though if we are to get to the best talents first.

Derek Langley

CV tells its story 18 years a united scout he comes into to lead the scouting set up as I couldn't find/want a director of football. Amazing judging of ability and potential.

 Davitt McDaid

leading the data analysts the Irishman has all the right qualities in terms of data and has nice mentals to go along.

Peter Mead

Ex palace scout has good stats and a nice CV hopefully unearths some British talent.

Alan Morrison

reasonable scout great adaptability and decent potential and current ability.

Andrew Main

Ex Brentford man comes in great adaptability and discipline poor judging player ability but reasonable judging potential ability.

 Mick King

Old Mick King comes in a vast knowledge of Scottish football having been at Aberdeen and Celtic and later Morton for years reasonable judging player and potential stats and fantastic discipline. There wasn't a great deal of good scouts available think we need to add more quality even though we are best in the league.

Adrian Crawford

Northern Irishman is a solid data analyst and has good determination.

John Crawford

Fantastic mentals and reasonable data stats rounds of the Scouting team will be expanding in the future but I wont be going into as much detail with staff again in this thread enough depth in this to last us the career.

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A comfortable 5-1 Victory at home to Arbroath that famous 5-1 scoreline of the Scottish cup final result against fierce rivals Hibernian got the fans excited to only be brought back down to earth at easter road. Carving copy of the result IRL 1-0 to the wee team no shots on target for us was worrying and not the start we had in mind in the first Edinburgh derby the oldest derby in Scotland btw. 2 convincing wins followed 3-0 away at Livingston our first competitive clean sheet followed by the kids and some seniors giving buckie thistle a expected doing. 

Hibernian win the league comfortably but we qualify second and score more goals we surpass the real life side who went out at this stage. In the next round we draw Morton at home.

A scrappy game in truth but hibs were far the better side. Disappointing to see lafferty and walker not show up in the derby but has been the trend with hearts in recent times.

 

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4-1 at celtic park doesn't tell the whole story we went 1 down on 10 minutes lafftery levelled before walker missed 2 clear cut chances the celtic punished us and went in 2-1 at the break second half game was very even until 75 minutes were we pushed for a equaliser celtic broke and scored twice. A Jamie walker double inside 15 minutes set us on our way to a dominating 3-1 victory at rugby park josh windass sent us into a 3-0 lead at halftime we rested players in the later stages giving some younger boys game time and killie scored threw kris boyd showing he's still the prolific marksman he's been so well known for in Scottish football. Trip to ibrox started so promisingly as lafftery headed in from a great corner delivery from Kavanagh on 12 minutes we never created much else and its was backs to the wall stuff we defended well until a rocket flew in on 75 minutes then disaster and own goal from Michael smith on 85 minutes. Another 3-1 win against Motherwell similar to Kilmarnock but this time windass brace inside 20 minutes then walker before the break Motherwell scored a consolation late on. First game a tynecastle couldn't have went any worse the laptop to as serve beating! Aberdeen sailed into a 2 lead we battled back to 2-1 threw lafferty hit the post and morgan missed a sitter at the back post for Aberdeen to get a penalty before half time 3-1 half time second half we went for it chasing the game and paid the price Aberdeen countering us twice.

Very mixed start but we are still gelling together and we have be beaten of arguably the 3 best squads in the league. Positives young Cochrane looks like a star in the making and we look capable of scoring plenty goals the fans wanted entertained and there getting it slightly but we may need to address the slack goals.

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Lots of bodies in all Scottish lads apart from 2. We see nearly every foreign player leave the ones we couldn't move on are now in the 20's wasting away. The money from Djoum seen us to do some much needed rebuilding sadly goncalves went for nothing but couldn't generate interest other than a free transfer. The rest were not good enough anyway. 

Lewis Morgan half a million splashed on the left winger looks one of the best talents in Scotland. Already had English championship clubs looking at him. Has everything a winger needs. Decisions are disappointing but other than that very happy.

Liam Henderson comes on loan from Celtic will be used as a deep lying playmaker hopefully can make it a permanent deal.

Sean Kavanagh former irish under 21 left back comes in will be a starter marking is poor but we were very thin there after sending smith brown back to man city. Marking lets him down but handy set piece taker and a decently rounded full back.

Grant Gillespie well rounded ball winner for in the middle of the park. Was 1 or 2 players a head of him we wanted but couldn't afford them.

Josh Windass listed by rangers we snapped him up and will play on the right as winger I think Chris Cadden at Motherwell or Greg Kiltie at Kilmarnock will hopefully come in next season they were the preferred choices but 2 expensive.

Oliver McBurnie arrives on loan from Swansea will challenge Lafferty and young Hardie for the lone striker role I was happy with Hardie and Stockton but after Goncalves left squad were unhappy so added Mcburnie who on paper is the best striker at the club.

Ryan Hardie cant believe how cheap we got him with the right guidance her could score for fun In Scotland.

Declan McManus came in before mcburnie became available to appease the players concerns. quick striker had a lot of potential as a young kid made a move to Fleetwood that hasn't worked out looking to realise that potential he goes out on load to Dundee to get him first team action. 

Peter Grant comes in as cover for Berra solid defensive and mentals very slow though so have to watch against quick strikers fought Hibs and Aberdeen to his signature.

Ross McCrorie cover for souttar at right centre back in the ball playing role. I have been mightily impressed with him IRL and expected higher attributes. solid stats none the less with lots of potential in that role. Apark from marking and his mental attributes which need work can see real potential and impressed in pre season.

Mathew Knox once looked at from man united has real potential if we nourish him right he will play back up to Jamie walker in that number 10 role and will be tutored by him as well.

 

Tony Gallacher linked with Barcelona before the left back has massive potential In Scottish football. Another player I expected to have better attributes a lot of work to do to get that potential out of him but have every confidence we can he will be back up to Kavanagh.

 James Berry a pure gamble scouts rated him with high potential and Partick thistle and Dundee were sniffing about him so took a chance he will be in the 20's as we try to develop him.

[Sheriff7]

Good luck man i like Hearts...You think you will play in Europe next year??

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On 19/11/2017 at 10:52, Sheriff7 said:

Good luck man i like Hearts...You think you will play in Europe next year??

Thanks! Am not sure I was out all weekend so I’ve still only played the 5 league games so still early days! Will have an update tomorrow transfer and possibly another 5-10 games I’ll have a better idea then. 

[Botas]

Like the start pal well done. 

Seems in the first few games you were beaten by sides yo maybe expected to have been beaten by.

Good luck with it

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12 hours ago, Botas said:

Like the start pal well done. 

Seems in the first few games you were beaten by sides yo maybe expected to have been beaten by.

Good luck with it

Thanks! Yes Celtic rangers Aberdeen will be strong I’ve I get into the top 4 I’ll be happy for the first season a lot of players signed so team for them to bed in and get the system settled. 

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Happy with that hopefully when the new stand is complete next season will be more.

Delighted with this as we need the best in the area as we look towards our great academy specially being restricted to British only players. Will be looking to improve both of these at every opportunity.

Another decent upgrade board seem to have great faith in me early on.

Massive deal getting this man signed up best player at the club. future captain and number 10 for years to come.

Nice to see Brendan appreciates the work we are doing and trying to achieve with no foreign players.

 

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We cruise past Morton a double from lafferty and goals from windass and walker highly efficient performance dominating from start to finish. Queen of the south the game started much the same 3-0 up on 51 minutes threw Morgan, Windass and Lafferty but after a mistake from young McCrorie we let them back in they got back to 3-2 before walker struck on 75 to make it 4-2 but they pushed and run us close 4-3 in the end and a smashing cup tie and we are into the semis!! Early trip to Hampden for the fans!

Motherwell have been similar to us with our league form should be a good contest. The other semi consisted off Celtic v Aberdeen. Celtic have wo every domestic game so should expect to see them in the final if we get there.

Fantastic result and performance to match limiting Motherwell to one shot on target. Windass got us off the a flyer and we had chances to go in 2-0 up at the break. Motherwell never posed much threat and we sealed our final spot on 66 that man windass again! Peter Grant has came into the side in recent weeks for Berra along with Callachan who returned from injury and they have turned our form around.

We face Celtic who beat Inverness Partick Thistle and Aberdeen there currently on a 15 game domestic winning streak!! So will be a tough task but we have a have started to gel as a team and have very chance of causing and upset.

 

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Tough ask Celtic have been totally dominant but we will give it our best shot. We will Have to keep it tight for as long as possible then hopefully sneak a winner. Kyle Lafferty is out which is convenient our top goalscorer along with Peter Grant who has been solid at left centre half. Liam Henderson misses out also as Celtic are his parent club so we do have a mountain to climb.

Well dominated from start to finish berra has been very poor all season considering he is rated one of our star players he was found out again. Cochrane and Hardie tried to fill lafferty and Henderson's shoes big ask. Happy to get to the final but a poor performance probably respected them to much.

[JMA]

Unlucky mate but good achievement getting to the final they will be a big mountain to climb 

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7 minutes ago, JMA said:

Unlucky mate but good achievement getting to the final they will be a big mountain to climb 

Thanks mate going to take a few seasons to bridge the gap to celtic. I will have a league update in the next half an hour.

[BoxToBox]

Shame to lose the final, but a great run to get there.

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Contact extension for Fulton much to the delight of the fans with his attacking football. We have scored more goals than everyone this season bar Celtic.

Junior coaching budget increased to excellent was part of the terms for my contract extension. The academy has already brought threw so potential players before Fulton took over Harry Cochrane and Euan Henderson look like stars in the making and there is Liam smith, Rory Currie who are out on loan who look interesting as well this is only going to help us more.

She is complete. Anyone who follows Scottish football will tell you Tynecastle has the best atmosphere this Is only going to make it better. With old main stand shed now matching the 3 other sides of the ground.

Before

There isn't a photo of the completion of the new IRL yet as it due to be finished properly in the coming weeks but this is a drawing.

 

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4 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Shame to lose the final, but a great run to get there.

thanks boxTobox. tough task celtic are head and shoulders above the rest. disappointing to not it the target as we have been playing attacking football I showed them to much respect so hard to take but a good start for the first year. 

[Sheriff7]

Unlucky mate,always difficult lose in final,maybe next year...

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16 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said:

Unlucky mate,always difficult lose in final,maybe next year...

thanks sheriff7 tough to take the manner we lost in yeah still the Scottish this year as well.

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Very inconsistent 7 game spell with only 2 back to back wins 4 wins and 3 losses we still don't draw a game in the league at this stage.  high scoring wins away from home specially the at arch rivals Hibernian. battling performance at home against St Johnstone. bad defeats at partick and ross county we were unfortunate against Rangers missed to many chances. Notable player performances walker got a hatrick at Hamilton and a double at Dundee relishing that number 10 role. Henderson has also been a stand out in the centre of the park and lafftery has bag him self 7 goals as well.

We absolutely destroy hibs in the Edinburgh derby at Easter road as well! the Laff sent us into the lead before picking up a knock young Hardie grabbed a brace before Windass completed the rout. We changed our shape for the first 20 minutes after hibs dominated us in the betfred cup last time out it worked wonders and after taking the lead we attacked them. A memorable victory at Easter road.

should have at least took a point from the game could finish our dinner springs to mind!

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Tough draw in the Scottish cup as we look to get over the disappointment off losing in the betfred league cup final

 

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By far our best run of form of the league season to date 7 home games after the stands completion. Looking at the fixtures and the table I expected partick and Dundee to give us more trouble but massive victories against sides in and around us. Motherwell were always going to be a tough one we snatched a late equaliser threw young Euan Henderson we probably deserved to lose but that's what its all about. Bottom sides Kilmarnock, Ross county and Hamilton were brushed a side at ease we should have scored 3 or 4 against county they didn't really trouble us. A great point against Celtic who have only drawn with Ross County and us in the league. There is a few screenshots of selected games just to help immersion.

needless to say what happened next in our first away game 

What a game 2 early goals left us chasing the game we looked like getting back into before berra sold the pies for the 3rd goal. We created some amount of chances just couldn't hit the back of the net Euan Henderson had a chance late on but it wasn't to be.

Very happy with the league after 20 games long way to go still with a few key additions January we may catch rangers but we also have to be wary of Motherwell, Dundee and Partick who have showed quality.

 

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Aberdeen have been massively underachieving this season. Derek McInnes has lost his job Barry Robson is in caretaker charge for this one Kenny Mclean and Shinnie out is a big boost but this shouldn't be a walk in the park Aberdeen still regard as the 3rd best team in Scotland even though the form suggests otherwise we cant become complacent.

They reckon McInnes enjoyed it!!

Simply couldn't live with our attacking ability. both Henderson's on the score sheet could have easily been a cricket score had it not been for some impressive saves from the Aberdeen goalie. Disappointing to lose the clean sheet cause they certainly didn't deserve. 

Another premiership side in the fifth round a team that's some what discovered some form. Tough test again home advantage could play a big part if we are to follow up the league cup run with a Scottish cup run.

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What a 7 game period in the league! 4-0 destruction in the Edinburgh derby. In front of the first sell out since the new stand was opened. Would go as far to say our performance of the season and that's with games to play we were outstanding. A solid point up Aberdeen cold Tuesday night at Pittodrie. 4 wins on the bounce followed a shaky 2-0 win at bottom side Hamilton they were unlucky not to share the points. Massive 1-0 at home against Motherwell who we are chasing us for 3rd. Stole a 1-0 victory a Celtic park then beat St Johnstone in an absolute thriller at tynecastle. Ross County stopped us in our tracks a terrible performance. Notable performances young Euan Henderson stole the show Lafferty and Morgan done there bit as well. Looked a lot better defensively as well. Some match reports below.

We switched our wingers to inside forwards and it worked a treat all 3 of the attacking midfield 3 getting on the scoresheet. Again we knew we had to start quick and went for it and got 2 goals down our right hand side with the inside forward decision paying dividends threw Morgan. The exciting Henderson cut inside from the right just before half time and smashed on in. Walker completed the rout on 70 after a lovely through ball from Lafferty the stats tell the story 20 to there 6 shots a complete performance.

Had Lafferty or Hardie had there shooting boots on this could have been much more comfortable. Motherwell never troubled us much failing to hit the target. Henderson again with another screamer from the right hand side he is now keeping windass out the side the youngster and has been rewarded with a new deal. Walker run the game for us again and berra has looked more solid.

Great defensive performance allows us to take all 3 points at Celtic park Berra, Souttar and McLaughlin keeping them at bay. They played 352 which suited us to a tea and wee counter them great and had great chances we broke the deadlock with some luck Hayes back pass short and you guessed it young Henderson on the end of it to fire home.

What a game had everything! great attacking football on show again Lafferty sending us in front with a neat finish from a young Henderson's through ball. We let them back in the game before the break Cummins stole the ball of Souttar who dwelled on it and laid it on a plate for MacLean. Second half was end to end stuff St Johnstone missed a penalty ex hibs player Craig foiled by McLaughlin much to the delight of the hearts faithful. Lafferty gave us the 3 points when he blasted in a freekick (wish I knew how to use gif) the 3 points were massive and closed the gap to rangers to 3 points.

The run came to an abrupt end at Dingwall. Lafferty and Henderson (he is human) missing chances early on before shoddy defending was capitalised on from county both goals down our right hand side. We switched to a winger on the right to target ex jambo grezlak and it backfired big time.

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Clean Sweep for young Henderson! Well deserved he had grabbed his chance with both hands back to back young player of the month and now player of the month. He is a real weapon cutting inside on that right foot that's an cannon! I thought Cochrane would be the one to set the place a light but this kid is proving me wrong long may it continue.

Nice accolade for Fulton! Our first manager of the month award.

[BoxToBox]

Cracking form, especially taking a win away at Celtic this soon!

[AccyScott]

Cracking result against Celtic mate! You've done well at Hearts thus far.

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10 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Cracking form, especially taking a win away at Celtic this soon!

Cheers. Was a great result specially the way we defended as its no been our strongest area. I forgot to post a picture of the current league table I’ll post one after work today. 

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8 hours ago, AccyScott said:

Cracking result against Celtic mate! You've done well at Hearts thus far.

Thanks mate! So far been a good season would be excellent if we could beat rangers next would give us a chance of catching them and spiltting the old firm first season. 

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Sorry I forgot the league table in the last league update. 10 points clear of Motherwell is a nice cushion but with 11 games to go we cant get complacent. On the other hand had we not lost to Ross County we would be touching distance with rangers with them to play next. Cant help this next game at Ibrox is must win if we are to challenge for 2nd. Celtic miles ahead but have been beaten of us and Dundee which stopped there invincible record breaking run! Majorly shocked at how poor Aberdeen and arch rivals Hibernian are doing. We need the back at stronger for Scottish football to progress both massive clubs. Although I do take pleasure in the wee team being rubbish!

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Nice big crowd for the Scottish cup! We have always had a loyal following! Tynecastle will be rocking!!

Kilmarnock come into this one in inconsistent form where as we are flying a place in the quarter finals awaits!

Great Result and we march into the quarter's. Loads of shots at goal again but lafferty forgot his shooting boots he is very hit or miss! That Kid Henderson running the show looks unstoppable down that left channel Morgan seems to be enjoying cutting in on his left as well. Great to see young prospects Quitongo and Hardie getting on the scoresheet.

Another home draw but could be a potential upset so cant be complacent cause of the lower league side. Managed by none other than hearts legend John Robertson hearts record goal scorer will be nice to see him to return to Tynecastle although we wont go easy on him! He also won the Scottish in 98 with Fulton great cup tie!

The draw for the quarter final special mention to highland league side Wick Academy who have progressed this far and have a good chance against championship side Queen Of The South. I am sure @Wavelberry will be happy with this. Rangers have a potential tricky tie at Motherwell if the beat Dundee United. Celtic travel across Glasgow to Partick Thistle.

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Winter Transfer Window

Arrives young Leon Davies attacking right full back looking to have him and Gallacher right and left attacking full backs for years to come.

Exciting prospect scouts don't seem to think he has much growth but with the right tutor and game time I think he can be become a solid option at right back.

Jai Quitongo son of hearts legend Jose comes in on the right hand side. We tried to sign him in the summer window but knocked us back after signing a new deal with Morton. His form for Morton was prompted a call up to the Scotland squad low determination is a cause for concern but hopefully he can kick on regardless.

Scotland under 19's front man Callum Smith joins form Dunfermline still very raw but with Celtic and Rangers also chasing him we snapped him up needs a tutor Lafferty will be the man for that. He will play in the under 20's for now then possibly loaned out for first team experience after tutoring.

Connor grant loaned in from Everton after the departure of unhappy Don Cowie gives us another option for the Liam Henderson role. Couldn't get a future fee on the deal which is slightly disappointing.

Brandon leaves on load for first team experience after Davies arrival. Baur, Ritchie, Reid, Sandison and Berry all go to spend the second half of the season on loan after tutoring. Grzelak and Gajda leave as they are foreign. Cowie leaves due to a lack of first team action at 34 he is more or less finished and was on relatively high wages.

[Wavelberry]

Happy not happy. Bet all those bastard underachievers who let me down are doing it for another manager.

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19 hours ago, Wavelberry said:

Happy not happy. Bet all those bastard underachievers who let me down are doing it for another manager.

Hopefully they go out then!!

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We are on the wrong end of a vintage cup game. Losing both centre half's in the process. Ryan Hardie missed countless first half chances but fair play to the Caley goalkeeper he was equal to everything we threw at him first half. Needless to say a silly penalty in added time left us chasing the game second half. Michael Smith moved from right back in to centre half wasn't a ideal move. Eventually we beat the Caley cat on the hour mark through Morgan cutting in on that left foot again. Thistle lost Poloworth for a two foot tackle naturally we attacked and were caught on the break and the rest is history. Severely disappointed with going out having drawn Queen Of The South at home had we won this we had a serious chance of another cup final.

[SixPointer]

Very mixed 6 game period. Massive 3 points at Rangers after going 2 down we went all out attack and went on to steal the game. Even sweeter ex rangers man Hardie got the winner.

Solid win at home to Kilmarnock should have been a lot more comfortable but Hardie couldn't fill Lafferty's shoes and missed several chances think he is a supersub! Plenty shots on goal but many from range.

Well if the last time we played the Edinburgh derby was our best performance this was our worst. Both first choice centre half's were out injured but the back ups should have had enough wasn't to be. McCorie sleeping for the first goal and Grant sent off. We created nothing was a horrendous showing.

We get back to winning ways at home to Partick Thistle. An early Josh Windass goal from a Morgan cross from the left. On the half hour mark morgan made it 2 back on the left hand side for this one he was outstanding showing his versatility. Thistle got a goal back and went for it but we limited them to long range shots.

Another poor result at Dundee. Lafferty this time that couldn't take his chances. in the end I thought I point would have been fair but if any team deserved the win it was them. Only bonus to come out the game Harry Cochrane was a stand out in a poor performance.

Great result against Aberdeen we change our shape to counter the slack goals we had been losing and there attacking threat it worked in a sense as the defensive played well. Lafferty won it with a subline finish from the goal keepers kick! Route One!

This leaves the table looking like this as we head into the split.

Our goal for the season is secure and am tempted to give some of the young stars a chance to shine but being within touching distance of rangers I may go for this and try spilt the old firm first time of asking!! Fortune favours the brave!

The fixtures for the top half of the split. First 2 are must wins if we don't win them I can see certain kids getting into the side.

[BoxToBox]

Phew! Losing both CB's to injuries in one game is just brutal luck...

[SixPointer]

A terrible intake!! Gutted!! Don't understand why recruitment and junior coaching both upgraded and a new HOYD oh well onto next seasons one I signed the top 4 but they aren't worth a screenshot.

More of a positive note young Henderson signs a new improved deal.

Not sure how that happened with only one appearance but take it none the less. Few EPL clubs looking at him now I have tried to shelter him till now but he is growing quick looks more and more like a Mezzala!

Henderson still has work to do attributes wise but on the pitch has really showed his talent!

Cochrane not as much game time but attributes wise growing everyday.

We sign top target the managers son from Swansea with a little help from the board. Transfer listed so got him for a bargain will solve this defensive side of the holding 2 In the middle of the park.

Delighted with this purchase as he links up dad for the second time after coming through the Falkirk ranks before heading to Swansea 3 seasons ago. Very well rounded technically great for his role mentally strong and physically great for the centre of the park breaking play up while still being neat enough on the ball. Need more signings like this if we are to mount a challenge in the next few seasons.

[SixPointer]

19 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Phew! Losing both CB's to injuries in one game is just brutal luck...

Was a nightmare!! Grant and McCorie should have managed the actually complement each other well but think it being the Edinburgh derby the occasion got the better of them! Somewhere I need to look at strengthen berra isn't getting any younger.

[Sheriff7]

Maybe your squad is too good and thats why youths looks so bad??I had this problem in past...

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, Sheriff7 said:

Maybe your squad is too good and thats why youths looks so bad??I had this problem in past...

I originally thought that myself but honestly there was nothing. Even the message the HOYD never really got excited by anyone. I have a few young players at the club that are already looking like stars! a few out on loan as well that look decent so i can’t be to disappointed. 

[SixPointer]

We get the spilt of to a winning start albeit from a late winner. Jamie Walker showed why he is worth 7 million quid to us. Lafferty missed a few chances to make it more comfortable in the first half. We did give some of the kids a game as well through out the games.

Things started brightly at ibrox 1-0 up on 17 minutes Lafferty again scoring against his old club. The lead only lasted 10 minutes. Walker continued his fine form creating plenty chances but we couldn't convert. Defensive collapse with 12 minutes to go gave rangers the lead we pushed for an equaliser rangers counter in added time and made it 3-1.

We bounced back at home against Dundee. Jamie Walker's awful first half performance summed up by missing a penalty Lafferty off injured things looked bleak at half time. Euan Henderson and Ryan Hardie had a point to prove. Liam Henderson gave us the lead with a rocket after his name sake cut it back from the left. Hardie sent us 2 up after snuffing out a short back pass from Waddell. Solid performance from the boys.

A bore draw at home to the league champions. A good point but easily the most boring game of the season. Gallacher and Cochrane both starting again.

An entertaining finish to the season at fir park. Davies, Gallacher, Cochrane, Henderson and you Callum smith start. Jamie walker fired us in front on 4 minutes from the penalty spot. Step up youngster Smith on his debut latched onto a lovely through ball from Henderson slotted it past the keeper. Walker made it 30 a few minutes later from a freekick to put us 3 up inside half an hour. Second half was a different story Motherwell on top for large spells and run us close we finish the season a high and lost of positives from the younger players.

The league table finishes up like this!

Celtic run away with the title a massive gap between them us and rangers for now. We finish 3 points of rangers which am very happy with in the first season. We are also miles in front of 4 place. Aberdeen and Hibernian were poor this season we need them stronger for the sake of the Scottish game both clubs far to big. Aberdeen only stayed up after an extra time winner in the playoff against Dundee United.

[SixPointer]

Season Summary

Solid first season! Specially after a mixed start. A good couple of cup runs probably should have made the final in the Scottish but definitely something to build on!

 

Jamie Walker was outstanding and deserves fans player. I think he is to old for young player. Personally would have gave it to Lewis Morgan or Euan Henderson. Lafferty's goal was a peach (don't know how to GIF) Ross McCorie needs more first team action but was a bargain.

He relished the number ten role after moving from the left wing 19 goals and 11 assist's a great return surprised there is no interest. Paul Lambert has still not called him up either.

16 league goals and 6 in the league cup a decent return from the big man. Specially with him setting up 15 goals for others. 30 Now so will need look for a long term replacement.

16 goals and 16 assists a fine return for his first season in maroon still only 21 and can now play left and right side hopefully we can hold onto him over the summer. Also been capped by Scotland twice now.

17 Goals and 12 Assists for young Henderson plays inside forward on the left for us but centre forward for Scotland under 19's. Great break through for this kid.

Young Rory Currie fires Stranraer into the championship a great loan for the kid.

35 Goals 11 Assists and 8 Man of the match brilliant.

Has work to do attributes wise but think we may keep him at the club this season and loan young smith out.

[SixPointer]

The old firm scoop all the silverware we will be looking to rectify this next season! 

[Sheriff7]

Very good season mate!!Celtic with 98 points is something classic there Hopefuly Rangers looks strong too,from next year we are going to have very interest league battle in your save...