Critchley on 'attacking' the run-in, being 'brave' against Celtic & injury updatepublished at 17:07 28 March
17:07 28 March
Image source, SNS
Hearts head coach Neil Critchley has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership trip to Celtic on Saturday.
Here are the best bits from his news conference:
Critchley is excited to "attack" the last period of the season after the international break allowed everyone the "chance to breathe".
The Englishman says looking at the league table is "pointless" at this stage because of all the permutations in the race for the top six.
He warns Hearts cannot get distracted and must solely focus on themselves for their "tough run" of three matches before the split.
Critchley is braced for the "toughest game you can face in Scotland" when his side travel to Parkhead, but is "hopeful" Hearts can replicate Rangers' victorious performance against the league leaders before the international break.
He expects his team to "suffer" at times, but says they must be "brave and clinical" when they have possession.
Gerald Taylor is out with a knee injury but Jamie McCart and Cammy Devlin could both feature. Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett are also closer to a return.
Game of the weekend: Celtic v Heartspublished at 11:53 28 March
11:53 28 March
Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic remain comfortably on course for a fourth successive top-flight title, despite their home loss to Rangers last time out.
Brendan Rodgers' side hold a 13-point lead at the top of the division and will be champions if they win their next four matches.
Hearts, on the other hand, have work to do to secure a top-six place and challenge for Europe.
Winning at Celtic Park is a tall order. Hearts have lost 25 of their last 27 visits in all competitions.
But, under Steven Naismith, Hearts did enjoy a 2-0 away win over the champions last season and Rangers have shown Rodgers' men can be beaten in their own backyard.
Should Neil Critchley's team come away empty handed, it could have big ramifications. Hearts are sixth, a point above Motherwell, four points in front of St Mirren and Ross County and two points below Dundee United.
Romanov: Czar of Hearts - your questions answeredpublished at 13:45 27 March
13:45 27 March
We asked for your question to put to the Romanov: Czar of Hearts production team earlier in the week.
Here are a few answers from the show's producer James Christie:
Fraser asked:How did you actually track Vlad down? How hard was it?
James answered: When we started the podcast we genuinely didn't believe it would be possible to track him down.
It was when talking to Jonas Miklovas, the basketball journalist from episode eight, we discovered he actually went to Moscow to interview him in 2018-ish, but since then his contact had changed.
Last year I was in a WhatsApp conversation with someone in Russia about the podcast and they casually let slip: "I wished him a happy birthday last year." He then spoke to Vladimir for me and sent me his number.
That led to a couple of months of chatting via text before we finally got him into the studio in Russia. So all in all, nowhere near as hard as we, or anyone else, probably imagined.
Dave asked: Brilliant series! Loved the testimonies from the players, staff and journalists etc of the time. As a diehard Jambo, I was surprised to learn new stuff relating to Romanov's 'shenanigans' like they got close to appointing Claudio Raineri. What other big names were Romanov's team talking to - players, managers, KGB etc?
James answered: This didn't make the podcast as we couldn't properly verify it, but Vladimir did an interview with a Russian news outlet and in it he claimed Guus Hiddink had approached him to become Hearts manager.
He says Hiddink wanted £500,000 but that was too much. Vlad also stated he was looking for a like-minded person and not a star. Another potential case of what could've been.
Cameron asked: Hi guys, the show was incredible. Best podcast I've heard. How difficult was it not just getting Vlad but all your other guests, particularly those from Lithuania? I really hope you make more deep dives into other football stories like this.
James answered: I think the passage of time was one of the key reasons we were able to interview a few of the people from within Vlad's inner circle at Hearts. I'm not sure Sergejus Fedotovas would've spoken to us 10 years ago for instance.
A lot of people's first response when I called them about the podcast was "This is such a good idea". The fact they were aware just how incredible a story it was helped a lot with getting people to agree to take part.
Beth asked: Is it true he lives/lived in a nuclear submarine in Russia?
James answered: A few years ago he gave an interview to Russian TV at the submarine and this has been mistranslated in a few newspapers that he'd spent all his money on the submarine and was now living in it.
As far as I know he has never lived in it. In fact, it's actually just a small section of the K-19 submarine that Vlad managed to save before it was scrapped.
If you look around the internet there are a few videos showing you inside it. It is very much just a hollow steel shell, I really don't believe anyone could spend a night in it let alone live in it.
Celtic v Hearts: Pick of the statspublished at 11:33 27 March
11:33 27 March
In all competitions, Celtic have won 13 of their past 15 meetings with Hearts, the exceptions being two 2-0 defeats in the league last season (December 2023, March 2024).
Hearts have lost 25 of their past 27 away games at Celtic in all competitions (W1 D1), losing their latest two in a row without scoring.
Celtic have lost two of their past four league games (W2), after having only suffered two defeats in their previous 46 in the Scottish Premiership beforehand (W38 D6).
Hearts have won seven of their 10 league games in 2025 (D1 L2), with only Celtic and Rangers (both eight) winning more times in the Premiership this calendar year so far.
Daizen Maeda has scored in each of his past seven league starts for Celtic (nine goals); it's the longest run of consecutive scoring starts by any player in the Scottish Premiership since Kevin van Veen netted in 11 in a row from March to May 2023, and the longest by a Celtic player since Anthony Stokes scored in seven in succession from April to August 2014.
Hearts set to request extra semi-final ticketspublished at 08:10 27 March
08:10 27 March
Hearts have sold more than 16,000 tickets for next month's Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen and are expected to request more once their initial allocation of 19,000 is snapped up. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Has Shankland evolved into Hearts playmaker?published at 16:30 26 March
16:30 26 March
Nick McPheat BBC Sport Scotland
This time last year, Lawrence Shankland was fast approaching the 30-goal mark in a remarkable season that saw him crowned PFA Scotland player of the year.
Twelve months on, the Hearts captain's tally for the season stands at just four. But is that because we are seeing the striker play a different role?
Following the winter arrival of Elton Kabangu, Shankland has been deployed in a more withdrawn role, more recently behind the January signing and teenager James Wilson.
That is allowing Shankland to demonstrate his ability as a creator, which is evidenced by the fact no Hearts player has assisted more league goals than the 29-year-old.
In fact, the Scotland forward is only one off being joint top of the Premiership's overall chart, with Celtic trio Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn, plus Rangers captain James Tavernier, all locked on seven.
As well as that, only Celtic right-back Johnston (13) and Hearts team-mate James Penrice (12) have created more big chances than Shankland (11).
Former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan believes the addition of Kabangu, coupled with the tactical shift of Shankland playing behind a front pairing, has been vital in developing the captain's playmaking ability.
"At the start of the season, Shankland lacked someone running in behind and stretching defences," McGowan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
That allowed opposition defences to press Hearts higher up the pitch, getting tighter to Shankland. Now he's got two strikers who run in behind.
"That means the defence has to watch that space in behind, so they will naturally drop and create a bigger gap for Shankland to find pockets in the number 10 role."
Who are the Premiership's best xG overperformers?published at 16:26 26 March
16:26 26 March
Nick McPheat BBC Sport Scotland
What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?
You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.
In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.
For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.
Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.
It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.
Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.
Oda exits Hearts for 'fresh start' in Japanpublished at 10:42 26 March
10:42 26 March
Image source, SNS
A permanent exit from Hearts offers Yutaro Oda the chance of a "fresh start" after limited game time at Tynecastle, says head coach Neil Critchley.
The 23-year-old Japanese winger has returned to his homeland by joining J1 League side Shonan Bellmare.
Oda arrived in Gorgie in January 2023 from Vissel Kobe on a three-and-a-half year deal, going on to make 53 appearances and scoring seven goals, but has started just once in the Scottish Premiership this term.
"Yutaro goes back to Japan with our best wishes," Critchley said.
"He's a young player who wants to play, but he's been unfortunate with injuries of late and has found it difficult to work his way back into contention.
"Sometimes a fresh start is required and this move gives him that opportunity, so we thank him for his time at Hearts and wish him good luck for the future."
'I didn't sack Burley, he ran away' - Romanovpublished at 15:41 24 March
15:41 24 March
Jack Herrall BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Burley won multiple manager of the month awards in his ultimately brief Tynecastle tenure
Former Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov says he "didn't fire" George Burley and instead the then-manager "ran away" following a meeting at Tynecastle.
Romanov's story at Hearts has been chronicled in BBC Scotland's Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast, with the final bonus episode including the first UK interview with the Russian businessman in more than a decade.
Burley's side made a storming, unbeaten start to the 2005-06 season and sat top, meaning many tipped them to win the title before his abrupt sacking by Romanov.
"Honestly, under my leadership, even a housewife could have achieved results because of the structure I put in place," Romanov said, dismissing the importance of Burley and his assistant Simon Hunt to that incredible start.
"I didn't fire him, though. It wasn't easy to come to an understanding with Burley.
"I even offered him a contract, but he acted as though he was stepping out for a smoke and then disappeared altogether.
"That's the story I'm sharing with you now. But let's not overanalyse or frame it in the wrong way."
However, Romanov did concede that focussing on matters on the pitch should have been his priority and not focussing on "scandals".
Nevertheless, the news of Burley's exit was a shock to Scottish football onlookers, let alone those in Gorgie on the Saturday morning when it happened, with a game against Dunfermline Athletic to come in a few hours' time.
"I didn't make a decision, he ran away," Romanov added.
"When he realised that I was aware of all the nuances and details, the situation became clear. Looking back, I should have focused on finishing the season instead of getting caught up in scandals."
Throughout the interview with host Martin Geissler, Romanov routinely lashed out and would often go on bizarre tangents, or simply give an answer to a different question and not the one asked.
Romanov, now living in Moscow and wanted by Interpol, said he uncovered a plot within the club, orchestrated, he believed, by Burley and Hunt, whom he calls thieves.
He added: "On top of that, I began investigating a plot and uncovered something serious.
"There were two thieves within the team, and unfortunately, this isn't uncommon in football. These individuals were stealing players and working from within, ultimately destroying the team."
Rights to reply were given to those named and can be found in the bonus episode on BBC Sounds
Wilson becomes youngest Scotland men's international published at 13:00 24 March
13:00 24 March
James Wilson became Scotland men's youngest ever international when he came off the bench against Greece at Hampden on Sunday.
With Steve Clarke's side trailing 3-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, the Hearts teenager was given an unenviable task of trying to spark a soft Scotland into life.
It was an insurmountable challenge, but Wilson's appearance was one of very few highlights on a low night for the team.
At 18 years and 17 days old, he overtook John Lambie's record (18y 63d) originally set in February 1887 against Ireland, by 46 days.
The series has taken the audience on a rollercoaster ride from Romanov saving the club to almost killing it.
Now you have the chance to ask host Martin Geissler and the team any questions you have about the work on the show across all 10 episodes.
From tracking down Romanov to anything unexpected they may have discovered, send us your questions here and a selection will be answered on this page in the coming days.
Romanov on 'not firing' Burley, 'psychologically weak' Gordon & appointing Rixpublished at 09:32 22 March
09:32 22 March
Jack Herrall BBC Sport Scotland
After a press conference from Neil Critchley, we bring you key points on this page. Today, however, there's someone else who has been speaking to BBC Scotland for you to hear from.
Vladimir Romanov sat down for an interview with the Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast, with his contribution published as a special bonus episode after the nine-part series.
It goes without saying that much of what Romanov said should be taken with a heavy pinch of salt.
Here are the key points from the former Hearts owner's interview:
Romanov claims he "did not fire" George Burley, saying he offered him a contract before the then manager "disappeared altogether" after stepping out for a smoke.
However, he does concede he should have "focused on finishing the season instead of getting caught up in scandals".
Although, according to Vlad, Burley was not the real leader of the side, rather it was his assistant and scout Simon Hunt. Burley and Hunt, he adds, were "two thieves within the team".
Despite giving Craig Gordon a supposed blank cheque to stay at the club, Romanov accuses him of having a poor mentality: "Psychologically, he was weak - if things didn't go well, he'd get physically sick, sometimes even vomit."
In his first season at Hearts, Romanov "unravelled how referees were recruited" and says "every player and referee in Scottish football was recruited as a fan, either of Celtic or Rangers", leading to those sides being viewed favourably by the authorities.
Craig Gordon, Paul Hartley and Steven Pressley all wanted to leave for Celtic, as did manager Burley, according to Romanov, who says Roman Bednar and Rudi Skacel also wanted to move to Celtic Park. Vlad adds: "I was dealing with a revolution right under my nose... the club was almost left without all these key players."
On appointing Graham Rix as manager, he hoped they could "stand strong and take on the mafia" and also the media.
Never one to doubt his own footballing acumen, he states: "I can work with any coach, even a children's coach, and still achieve great results."
On the accusation he, not Rix, picked the team, he says: "It's not Rix who's picking the players - I'm the one buying them."
When asked for his initial reaction to the Riccarton Three incident, he says it was a "betrayal," adding: "And then there's the question: 'How do I go to Celtic for more money?' It was just an excuse - a cover for betrayal."
You may remember Vlad's famous boxing match with Bednar, where he now claims the towering Czech forward "ran off, and that's how it all played out".
'Brighton eye Hearts teenager Osborne' - gossippublished at 09:12 22 March
09:12 22 March
Brighton & Hove Albion continue to be on the trail of Hearts defender Alfie Osborne, with the Premier League club having watched the 16-year-old playing for Scotland Under-17s in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with North Macedonia. (Daily Record), external
Hearts midfielder Finlay Pollock chose to stay with loan club Raith Rovers for Friday's Scottish Championship draw with Partick Thistle rather than join the Scotland Under-21 squad. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Penrice 'the star' and Vargas 'a consistent letdown' published at 18:01 21 March
18:01 21 March
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We asked for your thoughts on who Hearts' standout performer has been this season and who has failed to impress.
Here's what some of you said:
David: My player of the year is James Penrice by a country mile. The biggest disappointment has been Lawrence Shankland going from hero to zero. I think it's in everyone's best interests if he leaves the club.
Eoin: Beni Baningime and Penrice come to mind first, but I think it's been demonstrated by how much we've missed him that Cammy Devlin is extremely important to the team. In terms of a flop, I've been really let down by Yan Dhanda. I'd expected him to do better with better players around him but he hasn't been the player he seemed to be at Ross County.
Iain: I think everyone will say the same thing. Penrice has been the star. Gerald Taylor has been a big letdown from his first couple of outings where he looked a shoo-in for signing of the season.
Sam: Player of the year is easy - Penrice. Biggest disappointment is also easy - Shankland, although Taylor deserves an honourable mention.
Brendan: Elton Kabangu came in and gave us exactly what we needed, Penrice speaks for himself. I've been really really disappointed with Kenneth Vargas - he talked a big game saying how he needed a step up to a bigger league but is a consistent letdown.
Ken: Baningime and Penrice have been superb. No real poor players other than Taylor but several average players need to be moved on. We need width, pace and creativity.
Logan: Best player is probably Beni or Penrice. Despite his lack of goals, I feel Shankland is getting far too much stick, flop has to be Dhanda for me, lack of game time probably doesn't help though.
Tie still 'in the balance', warns Gordonpublished at 15:49 21 March
15:49 21 March
Media caption,
Watch best of action as Scotland win in Greece
Craig Gordon has urged Scotland to summon another "big performance" against Greece at Hampden on Sunday to ensure Nations League top-tier survival.
The 42-year-old Hearts goalkeeper, who marked his 80th cap with a clean sheet in the narrow first-leg win in Athens, knows the play-off tie is "by no means finished".
"It is still a difficult game. The tie is in the balance," said Gordon. "You could see the quality that they have, so still another big performance needed.
"This is by no means finished, it will still be a very difficult one going into the second leg. It was a big win. We had to work really hard, especially in the second half to hang on to it.
"But great determination was shown by everybody to grind out that second half and stay in the lead.
"The guys in front were chucking themselves in front of things, it was quite desperate at times. Sometimes you have to do that to keep the ball out your net and I thought we did it very well in the second half."
Gordon was impressed by 17-year-old Greek debutant Konstantinos Karetsas - who has switched allegiance from Belgium and came off the bench in the second half - and says the Scots will have to cope better with the youngster at Hampden.
"He looked fantastic. Someone we will need to look out for in the second leg," he added.
"A great young player but it is about what we do on Sunday to try to nullify that and create more chances of our own."
Romanov interview will make Hearts fans 'laugh & cry'published at 12:10 21 March
12:10 21 March
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
The final episode of Romanov: Czar of Hearts will air on Saturday featuring an exclusive interview with Vladimir Romanov himself
The final episode of Romanov: Czar of Hearts will induce both laughter and tears, according to BBC Scotland presenter and Hearts supporter Martin Geissler.
Former owner owner Vladimir Romanov sat down with Geissler for a feature interview, which lifts the lid on his tumultuous tenure at Tynecastle and airs on Saturday on BBC Sounds.
The surprise episode was revealed last week and Geissler says some of Romanov's revelations are "downright crazy".
"We didn't know we were going to do it, we didn't know where he was," Geissler explained. "James the producer got a lead, pursued it with vigour and it turned out Romanov was very happy to speak.
"He's got a lot of things to say, all of which you will hear on Saturday. Some stuff we haven't been able to broadcast, some stuff we had to invite people back for a right of reply, and some stuff is downright crazy.
"Some stuff will make you laugh, some stuff if you're a Hearts supporter will make you cry."
Geissler teased a big reveal in the final podcast episode and insists he can now look back fondly at the Romanov era despite the chaotic way it ended, with the club entering administration.
"I don't know how much I know now that I didn't know then, because you lose some memory over 20 years," Geissler said. "There are some revelations still to come, there's one in particular that comes out in the bonus episode.
"Hearts wouldn't be here without Vladimir Romanov, and then he took it on a decade-long rollercoaster and left it where he found it. What a ride that was.
"There's a lot of me, looking back on the whole thing, that can't help but think 'good old Vlad'. It was bonkers, but it was great fun."
'Police special powers for derby to remain in force' - gossippublished at 07:54 19 March
07:54 19 March
The special powers that Police Scotland officers were handed in a bid to prevent crowd trouble breaking out at the Edinburgh derby match at the start of this month and the Old Firm game last weekend are set to remain in use for the foreseeable future. (The Herald), external
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