Heart of Midlothian

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Following the winter arrival of Elton Kabangu, Shankland has been deployed in a more withdrawn role, more recently behind the January signing and teenager James Wilson.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."

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.

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."

Australia midfielder Cammy Devlin, 26, is in line to return for Hearts at Celtic Park. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

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

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.

Image source, SNS

Over the past two months, BBC Scotland's Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast has detailed the story of Hearts, Vladimir Romanov and everything in between.

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.

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".

For much, much more from Romanov you can listen to the bonus episode here on BBC Sounds.

The people discussed by Romanov were given a right to reply. These can be found in the bonus episode.

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

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

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.

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."

Image source, SNS

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."

With just eight Premiership games left, we're down to the business end of the season.

Player reputations have been enhanced - or sullied - with their performances throughout the campaign.

As thoughts begin to turn to end-of-term awards, we want to know your Hearts player of the season so far - and the biggest flop.

Share your views

It is the podcast series everyone is talking about.

And it comes to a blockbuster end this weekend with an exclusive interview with the man himself - Vladimir Romanov.

Watch the sneak peek above before the bonus episode of Romanov: Czar of Hearts lands on Saturday at 00:01 GMT.

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

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

It's fair to say 2025 has so far been a success for all those of a maroon persuasion with just two defeats in 13 games as we hit the first international break.

Cast your mind back to the Dingwall debacle - those two late goals at the end of December - and many of us felt Hearts were heading in one direction. And it wasn't up.

Given we now have at least one trip to Hampden to look forward to, and it is within our gift to finish the season in a European spot, it's quite the turnaround from the early narrative of our league campaign.

Neil Critchley has made a telling impact during his time in charge and if you look at the last 10 league games alone, we are joint top of the form table with Celtic and Rangers - 22 points gained from a possible 30.

Given that Aberdeen and Dundee United have only picked up nine and seven points respectively in that time, the aim should be to catch them and be at least fourth come the final whistle in May.

The fact Critchley has hauled us up to this position means he deserves enormous credit. With the help of Jamestown Analytics, he's really put his own stamp on the team with the January additions of Elton Kabangu, Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum. Each have made vital contributions.

Critchley has been able to get consistency from players like Beni Baningime and Cammy Devlin, as well as building upon the foundations of promise from James Penrice and Blair Spittal.

Add in the trust he has placed in younger players such as new Scotland squad member James Wilson, Musa Drammeh and Adam Forrester and he's been repaid by all players with results on the pitch.

While 18-year-old Wilson is the embodiment of everything going right on the pitch for Hearts, off the field the club have scored an own goal this week.

Hearts are charging £48 per person for a bus from Tynecastle to Hampden for next month's Scottish Cup semi-final, in addition to a £30 match ticket.

All before season ticket holders get a chance to secure their seats. The club have seriously misjudged this.

Watch as Sportscene pundit and former Hearts boss Steven Naismith analyses the 2-0 win over Ross County. (Available to UK users only)

Motherwell midfielder Miller and fellow 18-year-old James Wilson, the Hearts forward, are not merely in the Scotland squad to make up the numbers, says assistant coach John Carver. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Beni Baningime (Hearts): The heartbeat of Neil Critchley's midfield. An intelligent player who always keeps it steadily ticking over.

Veteran Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper Craig Gordon "can totally see" why "all-round forward" James Wilson is already in the Scotland squad. (The Scotsman)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

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Craig Gordon says Hearts put "added pressure" on Saturday's victory over Ross County.

Neil Critchley's side moved into the top six with a 2-0 win over Don Cowie's men and with results elsewhere, moved them one point clear of Motherwell in seventh.

"We felt we had to win," the Hearts goalkeeper said.

"There's a lot of added pressure on that but we really felt we needed three points to get ourselves in there.

"There's not many games to go now so we need to keep winning and keep getting points on the board because I think all the other teams around there will do that as well

"I think we're playing better. We're playing better football. Probably a bit more confidence in the boys, especially going forward.

"I think that was our problem at the start of the season. I think we struggled to score many goals, but we created good chances and managed to put two of them away."