Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith is relaxed over new signings, saying their are no gaps desperately needing filled in his squad. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Hearts fans, we asked for your views on what would make this season a successful one.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Chris: I don’t think any team has had as good a pre-season as us. Signings in early, good camp in Spain and no key players have left yet, which should, on paper, make us stronger. I expect a much stronger Hibs and Aberdeen next season so I’d be happy with third again, the reality is the Old Firm are able to spend themselves away from us.
George: Continued progress for Hearts should at least be competing for a top-two finish and a cup final win, anything less wouldn't satisfy a support that deserves some success for the years of fantastic support.
Steve: Finishing third is a minimum, getting closer to second place and consistently giving the Old Firm close games. A decent cup run but again depends on a favourable draw and more victories in Europe. Most importantly a settled side.
Dave: Third place again and keep the momentum and the building of a strong squad going. Tie Lawrence Shankland down to a new contract and build some youth into the first team in cup competitions, and start with beating Rangers as well.
Chris: A top-half finish is a successful season. The squad is small and lacks talent or capability to rotate as per last time in European competition, we don't have a team to compete in multiple competitions, not that looking for third in a league can ever be called competing. It all hinges on Shankland and his goals, if he leaves Hearts, then we are doomed to bottom-six.
Derek: A strong third place, qualifying for Europe again and lifting a cup would be a great season - cutting the distance to the Old Firm would be good as well! A decent run in both cups is essential, but to lift one would be magic, and a sign that we're on the right track.
Hearts fans, after last season's third-place Premiership finish, what do you think would constitute a successful season this time around?
More of the same, or do you want to see progress in the cups and in Europe?
Image source, Getty ImagesTaylor (left) has won seven caps for his country
Hearts have signed Costa Rican defender Gerald Taylor from Deportivo Saprissa on a season-long loan deal.
The 23-year-old also plays with Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas at international level, and the Tynecastle club say he is "regarded as one of his country’s rising stars".
"A lot of work has been done on this deal so it’s fantastic that we’re now able to welcome Gerald to the club," head coach Steven Naismith said.
"You look at what Gerald has crammed into his career at such a young age – league titles, continental experience, international caps – and it’s clear to see that he is a winner.
"His hard work, along with his talent, has got him to where he is today and I think the exciting thing is that there is more to come from him.
"Being an international teammate of Kenneth is a bonus in that he will be able to help Gerald settle, and we’ll also give him time and the benefit of our experience to ensure that he continues his trajectory and becomes a success at Hearts."
Image source, SNSHeartsTV commentator Laurie Dunsire is excited about the new club's new signings even if they're not "glamourous".
Steven Naismith has already welcomed Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice this summer from Motherwell, Ross County and Livingston, respectively.
"I think Penrice, Spittal and Dhanda all coming in from Premiership clubs, they've performed relatively well for each of those teams," Dunsire told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I think to have those added attacking options that will hopefully release a little bit of the burden from [Lawrence] Shankland and maybe give him a bit more impetus to get even more goals and chances.
"Right now he's often the chief creator and the chief scorer, which is pretty tough to do.
"Maybe some people will say signing from Ross County and Motherwell aren't the glamour signings you're looking for but these players have done it in this league.
"There's no reason why they shouldn't be able to step up to play for Hearts and do even better than what they've been doing for the likes of Livingston, Ross County and Motherwell."
Former Hearts man Ryan Stevenson tells the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast that Lawrence Shankland's teammates need to step up and help out their star striker this season.
Image source, SNSCraig Gordon will have a full pre-season with Hearts having missed out on Scotland's Euro 2024 squad
Hearts aim to "put on a good show" for the Tynecastle crowd by proving they are braced for the new campaign when they return home to face Leyton Orient on Saturday, says goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Steven Naismith's side are currently preparing for the upcoming season at a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife, but they will make the trip back to Gorgie for the weekend to test themselves against the English third-tier side.
Following that, Hearts will welcome Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.
"It’s always special getting back to Tynecatle," Gordon said, external. "There's always something different about games there.
"We've got a few more hard days here then it'll be looking forward to the Leyton Orient game and that’s where it all begins again for real.
"Hopefully the fans can come along and see some of the new players and we can put on a good show and show we’re ready for the new season."
Hearts summer signing Daniel Oyegoke reveals he turned down professional terms at Arsenal to join former club Brentford. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSHow do you balance your attempts to break into the Hearts first team and pass Advanced Higher PE?
That's the prospect facing James Wilson this season. Not that it seems to bother him.
The 17-year-old striker is fresh off scoring bucket loads of goals for the Tyencastle club's B team in the Lowland League.
While finding the back of the net is always at the forefront of Wilson's mind, he has also got to juggle academic commitments for another year.
"It's tough," he told club media, external. "On my day going into school - it's nice going to see my friends but going home after training, I'm having to work with a tutor.
"I have to sit myself down and do two hours' work. You do enjoy it and get some time off to see friends. It's good going into school.
"Hopefully I get the results that I want at the end of this year. I'm doing Advanced Higher PE. I'll find that tough I think, but it'll be good for me."
Wilson is hoping to emulate the likes of Aidan Denholm and Macauley Tait in going from academy graduate to regular member of Steven Naismith's matchday squads.
"I think we've got a good group," he added. "The club itself prepares you quite well. It's been an easy transition, all the boys are really good with you.
"Obviously I want to score my first goal. I want to get on the pitch and get as many minutes as possible. That's down to me in training.
"I want to hear the crowd after I score a goal. If I can get a goal early on this season, it'll give me a lift."
We asked who you are backing to be Hearts' breakout star in the new season.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Kevin: Expecting big things from Macaulay Tait and James Wilson.
Gordon: Lots of new arrivals but I really like the young lad James Wilson. I can see him having a big season. I think he could be the surprise package.
Steven: For me, Kenneth Vargas is the one to watch. Can he take his game to the next level? He has all the attributes - quick pace, good touch and an eye for goal. He’s still only 22. He could be a real star for Hearts this season.
Ian: If given enough game time, then Alan Forrest could be a big player for us.
Jon: If he gets the game time, Aidan Denholm.
Kuptin: James Wilson already looks the part. Also looking forward to seeing an injury-free Finlay Pollock at last.
Danny: It feels odd to say after an already successful period at Hearts but I think Cammy Devlin might have a breakout season by adding goals to his already dynamic game.
Hearts hope to expedite the arrival of Gerald Taylor, with the Deportivo Saprissa defender, 23, needing a UK working visa to complete a loan move to Tynecastle. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.
Who do you think will be Hearts' breakout star in the coming season?
Is there one particular youngster you are backing to impress or perhaps a fringe player who will come to the fore?
Image source, Getty ImagesHearts forward Kenneth Vargas' Copa America adventure is over after Costa Rica were knocked out despite beating Paraguay 2-1 in their final group game.
Vargas' side finished third in Group D, a point behind Brazil, who advance to the last 16 along with Colombia.
Francisco Calvo and 19-year-old Josimar Alcocer scored in the opening seven minutes for Costa Rica, with Ramon Sosa replying for Paraguay in the second half.
Vargas, who has six caps, bows out having been kept on the bench for all three matches.
Hearts have put Uganda centre-half Toby Sibbick and Australia full-back Nathaniel Atkinson up for sale after the 25-year-olds were told that they are surplus to requirements. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Alfie Hutchison, the 15-year-old midfielder who is eligible for Scotland and England, joined Rangers from Hearts despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United. (Fabrizio Romano on Instagram)
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, Getty ImagesOne of the key debates among fans and pundits during Scotland's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign was who should be leading the line for Steve Clarke's side.
Lawrence Shankland scored 31 goals in all competitions for Hearts last season, but was not picked to start any of Scotland's three group games, with Che Adams selected as the lone striker.
For a long time now, questions have been asked as to whether the Hearts captain can carry his domestic form onto the international stage and whether he has the pace to stretch defences.
Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller thinks Shankland undoubtedly has the required ability.
"For me, Lawrence Shankland is the best all-round striker we've got," Miller told Sportsound.
"If you get the ball into him, he'll hold it up better than the others. We need someone capable of getting hold of the ball."
On the other hand, former Scotland midfielder John Collins says Scotland's system and their non-use of wingers doesn't suit Shankland's style of play.
"The reason he hasn't played is because he hasn't got the legs and the mobility," Collins said. "He's successful in Scottish football because he's getting the ball in and around the box; we're a team that were never in the box.
If Shankland was a yard quicker, Collins believes he would be worth £30m, such are his other strengths.
"He can't run away from somebody and race away from a centre-half; he's a finisher," Collins added.
"The reason he's not been bought for lots of money is because every scout watching him can see that. A guy that's scored 31 goals, otherwise you'd want £30m."
Gerald Taylor’s impending loan transfer with an option to buy to Hearts from Deportivo Saprissa has taken a major step forward after the move was granted the Scottish FA approval the 23-year-old Costa Rican right-back needs to gain a working visa. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Hearts striker Kyosuke Tagawa is attracting interest from Japan and Portugal, defender Alex Cochrane has been scouted by English clubs, while Nathaniel Atkinson, fellow defender Toby Sibbick and possibly midfielder Jorge Grant may all discover that their best chance of regular football is to move on from the Edinburgh club. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Ian Cathro is poised to return to front-line management for the first time since leaving Hearts seven years ago after agreeing terms with Portuguese Primeira Liga club Estoril and the 37-year-old Scot is set to take over once the departure of current head coach Vasco Seabra is finalised. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on where Hearts will be 10 games into the new Premiership season and whether they can challenge the Old Firm.
Here's what some of you said:
Calum: Seven points absolute minimum from the first four, so I'd put Hearts two-four points behind Celtic/Rangers after 10 games. With the signings so far, and provided we keep Lawrence Shankland, third at end of season, closer than last year but still more than three games back.
Fergus: As usual we end up with one of the ugly sisters at the start of the season. Summer signings look good additions to the squad, not really sure about Yan Dhanda, I live in the Highlands and have popped along to see Ross County a few times and the guy was anonymous but we’ll see. Confident of being in the top three-four after 10 games.
Iain: I expected nothing less - at home to one of the Old Firm followed by two away fixtures?! Standard SPFL stuff and no surprises at all. We'll be seventh or eighth after 10 fixtures which I am sure was always part of the plan.
David: A lot of new players signed so it looks promising but don’t let us expect them to settle and blend right away. Nine points from the first four games would be a very positive start but we do need another quality striker if, as expected, Shankland moves on.
Alistair: After 10 games, 21 out of 30 points (W6, D3, L1) would be a good return and see Hearts sit in the top three. However, navigating European games and assimilating new players into the squad will likely reduce that points total to 15-18. If Shankland leaves, we could be sitting in the bottom half come Halloween.
Ed: I think with the new additions to the squad, in particular Blair Spittal, we will offer a lot more in attack. I think we could be challenging Rangers for second this season, but we need to learn how to beat them at Ibrox. First game with them will be a really tough test, I also think Spittal should have been in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad at the Euros.
Chris: Having Rangers on opening day is probably the best time to play the Old Firm, a good start at home is imperative after our transfer business, which has been incredibly astute so far. I’ll be overwhelmingly happier if we manage to retain Shankland!
David: Some difficult games at the start of the season, but we better get used to hard games playing in Europe this year. Personally, I’m glad to see Rangers first game of the season. We beat Celtic under Ange Postecoglou at the start of the season three years ago and we can do it to Rangers this year.
Gordon: Why not! They have strengthened all over the squad, only the Shankland question needs clarification for everyone, if he stays in some ways they are stronger for the coming campaign.
Stuart: No doubt, after first 10 games Hearts will be in top three, maybe top two.
Ken: Depends if all the new signings settle in plus European games. I think fourth.
Now the fixtures are out, how are you feeling about your side's start to the season?
Where do you think Hearts will be after the first 10 games of the campaign? Could they push the Old Firm in the opening weeks and beyond?
After clocking a tough opening day test at home to Rangers, many Hearts fans' attention will immediately turn to the dates of this season's Edinburgh derbies.
The first meeting of the capital rivals will take place at Easter Road on the weekend of Saturday, 26 October, while Tynecastle will be the venue for a Boxing Day clash at 12:30 BST.
Steven Naismith's side return to Leith before the split on the weekend of Saturday, 1 March.
Hearts will look to continue their impressive home record against Celtic from last term when the champions come to visit on Saturday, 23 November.
The Jambos' final fixture before the split is a trip to Motherwell.
All kick-off times BST
Fixtures for the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season have been released.
The campaign will kick off with Hearts hosting Rangers at Tynecastle, a repeat of the sides' final league game of last season which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Newly-promoted Dundee United entertain derby rivals Dundee, while Celtic begin their title defence with the visit of Kilmarnock.
Jimmy Thelin's first Premiership game as Aberdeen boss is a trip to Perth to face St Johnstone.
David Gray starts his reign as permanent Hibs head coach away to St Mirren, while Motherwell are to home to Ross County.
The opening round of fixtures will be played from 3-5 August.
Hearts will kick off the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season by hosting Rangers at Tynecastle.
The game will take place on Saturday, 3 August at 12:30 BST.
Image source, SNSHearts have recruited "one of the most exciting players" in the Scottish Premiership in Yan Dhanda, says head coach Steven Naimsith.
In January, BBC Scotland reported the 25-year-old had agreed to join the Tynecastle club and would move following the expiry of his deal at Ross County.
The Gorgie side have confirmed the midfielder has penned a three-year deal after two impressive seasons in the Highlands, where he scored 12 goals and provided 18 assists in 79 games.
Naismith says the signing is "another statement" from Hearts, who have also sealed deals for Blair Spittal, James Penrice, Daniel Oyegoke, Musa Drammeh and Ryan Fulton.
"I think it’s clear to see that [Dhanda's] one of the most exciting players in the league," the Tynecastle boss added.
"If you look back at his career, he dealt with the pressure of being a top prospect in a big club’s academy at Liverpool and decided he didn't want to just be comfortable... he wanted to go out and play and progress his career.
"He did that at Swansea City and Ross County, and now he’s getting his rewards for all of his hard work over the past few years by coming to Hearts."
