Hearts win again - is Bloom's vision taking shape?

Hearts players celebrate Stuart Findlay's injury-time winner at Tannadice

"We've got a very good chance of at least being second this season."

A collective eyebrow was raised across Scottish football when Heart of Midlothian shareholder Tony Bloom made that remark last week.

Many sneered, some called him delusional, a few brushed the comments aside, and plenty filed them firmly in the 'Aye, right' drawer of the filing cabinet.

However, after six wins from six, 21 goals scored, only three conceded, and a decided buzz around Gorgie, is it time to dream for Hearts fans?

Or is some caution required?

Why are Hearts fans excited?

After experienced manager Derek McInnes was given the head coach job, captain Lawrence Shankland signed a new deal, Bloom's investment was confirmed, and a suite of interesting signings followed, Hearts fans quickly banished the glum of last season's seventh-place finish.

They breezed through the League Cup group stage, scoring four against Dunfermline, Dumbarton, Stirling Albion and Hamilton while conceding just once.

While that was impressive, it was hardly unexpected, but then beating Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen in their opening Premiership game added to the hype.

Sunday's late comeback win against Dundee United continued a perfect start, which makes Bloom's comments about splitting the Old Firm an intriguing talking point, even so early in the season.

"Tony Bloom doesn't make statements as a throwaway comment," former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell said on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme.

"He thoroughly believes that's where he wants to take the club and where he's going to take the club. Hearts are already very well supported, and hopefully all this positivity goes forward."

Adding to the belief is the impact of the new additions that have featured so far.

Portuguese striker Claudio Braga has already graduated from new signing to fan-favourite, and he is on track to be the blueprint for Bloom's revolution.

"You would hope Hearts would bring players in like Claudio Braga, sell them on and start building a pot of money," former Hearts defender Allan Preston said.

This approach would chime with what to expect under Bloom. Recruit wisely, sell when the stock is at its highest. Full-back James Penrice's move to AEK Athens this summer is arguably the first Jamestown Analytics-style departure.

Why should you not 'bet against' Bloom?

The 55-year-old's track record is one of success, continued progression, and transforming the fortunes of the clubs he is involved with.

His impact at Premier League side Bright and Hove Albion, the club he owns, has been as well documented as it is impressive.

Through the implementation of his Jamestown Analytics software, the club have become a top-flight force able to compete with some of the league's biggest sides, and have had a taste of continental competition.

"I'm not going to say Hearts will win the league within 10 years, but if someone like Bloom does, you wouldn't bet against him," Preston said.

"It's very difficult, but there's no doubt Hearts will be a better club."

Belgium, though, is perhaps where Tynecastle punters can take the most encouragement from.

Union Saint-Gilloise are the current champions of the Belgian Pro League, winning the title last season for the first time in 90 years.

Bloom's analytical software is used by Sebastien Pocognoli's side and has taken them from a middling side in their domestic league to a dominant force. That's the plan for Hearts within the next decade, says Bloom.

Tony Bloom (top right) watched Hearts' win over Dundee United at Tannadice

Why should Hearts fans remain cautious?

Under Jim Jeffries in the 1997-98 season, the Scottish Cup returned to the Tynecastle trophy cabinet.

They were nearly celebrating a double though, as they finished seven points off eventual champions Celtic.

Had it not been for a stuttering end to the league campaign, Jefferies' side could have broken the Old Firm title duopoly for the first time since Aberdeen in 1985.

Then there was the George Burley season.

Burley's side made a storming, unbeaten start to the 2005-06 season and sat top after eight successive wins, meaning many tipped them to win the title before Burley's abrupt sacking by Vladimir Romanov. The Lithuanian also promised the Hearts fans a league title and Champions League football.

And again, let's remember we're only two games into a 38-game league season.

Aberdeen were nearly perfect until November last year and dropped off massively in the league, so nothing will be taken for granted at Hearts.

However, with Bloom's acumen, McInnes' experience, and a raucous Tynecastle behind them, maybe Hearts can become a new force in Scottish football this year.