Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Stuart Findlay: The new Lawrence Shankland?
I jest, but three goals in two matches will do nicely for the centre back who was immense again for Hearts as they picked up a very tasty three points away at Dundee United.
Highlights: Dundee United 2-3 Hearts
Highlights of Dundee United 2-3 Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
Heart of Midlothian are considering recalling 20-year-old Adam Forrester from his loan to St Johnstone after Christian Borchgrevink was ruled out for a number of weeks with a thigh injury, leaving the Premiership club short at right-back. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Two second-half goals from centre-back Stuart Findlay - including the winner in the 94th minute - stunned Dundee United as Hearts salvaged their 100% start to the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Image source, SNSHearts manager Derek McInnes: "Every victory is different and a late winner is magnificent. It says a lot about the squad, the spirit and perseverance. You want to get the reputation if we can for being the best team in the league at set plays. They were a huge part today.
"Dundee United offered so much to the game considering their game on Thursday night. I've been here many a time as a player and manager coming down that slope you want to hem Dundee United in. But it was so stop-start, physios coming on, bookings and free kicks. It was all just a bit scrappy.
"I think at 2-2 Dundee United would have come out with a lot more credit. But we're delighted with the win. It shows the importance of set-plays and the freshness from the bench. With the benefit of not playing in Europe we looked stronger in the latter part of the game.
"I couldn't get him [Stuart Findlay] to score a goal at Kilmarnock. He did everything but. He was outstanding as a defender and person in the dressing room. But it's good to get his moment to shine. As a defender, that's where he's judged.
"He defended well enough today, but obviously you put your demand on the centre-halves when they go up there."
Image source, SNSIsaac Pappoe joined Dundee United's injury list after being carried off with a knee injury against Rapid Vienna.
Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski and Ross Graham are all missing with hamstring injuries. But Dario Naamo and Amar Fatah are closing in on comebacks.
Hearts could hand a debut to Pierre Landry Kabore while fellow summer signing Sabah Kerjota is available after suspension.
Craig Gordon (shoulder), Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip) and Finlay Pollock (hamstring) are still out, while Beni Baningime (knee) and Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) have an outside chance of being involved.
Image source, SNSHearts midfielder Cammy Devlin says his contract situation will "take care of itself" as he enters the final year of his Tynecastle deal.
Devlin is now in his fifth season at the club, and Hearts took up the option to extend his stay last year, but as it stands he will be free to speak to other clubs come the start of 2026.
The Australia international has recently been praised by new head coach Derek McInnes, but the 27-year-old admits he doesn't "really like thinking about" his contract potentially expiring.
"I was in a similar position this time last year in terms of coming to the last year of my contract, and I don't really like thinking about it," he said.
"I think if you just perform well, if I'm fortunate enough to play the games on the weekend, I'll just always put my head down and work as hard as I can and I think it will take care of itself, whether it's a positive or a negative.
"For me personally, I just come into work every day, work as hard as I can and hopefully get picked to play on the weekends."
Devlin says there is a palpable buzz around the club amid Tony Bloom's investment and a winning start to the season in League Cup and Premiership, with a trip to face Dundee United up next on Sunday.
The recent influx of incomings, however, may have put any contract renewal on the backburner for now.
"Yeah, there's always ongoing talks," Devlin said when asked if there had been discussions with the club. "They've spoken to my agent, not me.
"There's been a lot going on with, obviously, Tony Bloom coming in.
"Obviously, the transfer window's open, so there's been so many new players coming in and things like that happening, so I don't think that's the focus now.
"With Tony Bloom coming in, there's a lot of talk going on about that, and there's definitely a lot of excitement around Hearts.
"I feel like there always should be because of the size of the club. When you're playing football, you play to win, so I think when you're at a club this size, you want to be ambitious. You want to win things, so I think it's definitely exciting."
Image source, SNSAll three league matches between Dundee United and Hearts last season finished as 1-0 wins to the away side, with the Tangerines winning two of those and Hearts the other. United are looking to win back-to-back Premiership games against Hearts for the first time since March 2014.
Hearts are unbeaten in five Premiership away games at Dundee United (W3 D2) since a 2-1 defeat in February 2016. Hearts could win back-to-back top-fight visits to Tannadice for the first time since December 2002.
Dundee United have won their opening home game of a Premiership season in just one of their past five top-fight campaigns (D2 L2), beating Rangers 1-0 in 2021-22.
After their 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, Hearts are looking to start a league season with wins in both of their opening two matches for the first time since 2021-22. Indeed, Derek McInnes could become the first manager to win both of his first two top-fight games in charge of the club since Robbie Neilson in August 2015.
In their 2-2 draw with Falkirk on matchday one, Max Watters and Ivan Dolcek both scored on their Scottish Premiership debut – no player on record (since 2005-06) has found the net on both of their first two appearances in the competition for Dundee United.
Image source, SNSDerek McInnes is unfazed by attempting to fulfil Tony Bloom's lofty expectations for Hearts after an "enjoyable" first meeting with the new shareholder.
Brighton owner Bloom, who has invested almost £10m in the Tynecastle club and given them access to his Jamestown Analytics company to drive recruitment, this week said Hearts have "a very good chance of at least being second this season" and can win the title within 10 years.
"I think when you hear it from certain people, people can maybe question it, but there's so much validation and confidence with what he says because he clearly has a track record," head coach McInnes said on Bloom's heady targets.
"He's very successful. He utterly believes every word he's saying. He's a very clever man, and he's a very successful man as well.
"You want your owners and people that you work for at the club to have that ambition, and there's a clear ambition from everybody at Hearts, including Tony, to try and drive the whole thing forward here.
"We're all well aware that we're here to be successful – we're not wanting to mess about – and hopefully we can be."
Bloom was in attendance at his first Scottish football match on Monday night - as Hearts started their Premiership season with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen at a packed Tynecastle - and met McInnes the following morning.
"It was enjoyable," McInnes said. "He was getting a tour of the training ground really and seeing everything that's going on here with [sporting director] Graeme Jones, and part of that was obviously to pop in and see me, and we had a good chat.
"We spent over an hour or so together before training and he was very engaging, just really positive and really encouraged by what he sees at the club, encouraged by the start we've had and encouraged by what the future could look like.
"It was nice to actually spend a bit of time with him."
Image source, SNSHearts head coach Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before the Premiership match with Dundee United this weekend.
Here are the key points from his press conference:
Tony Bloom's comments about Hearts being title contenders are a sign of "so much validation and confidence," says McInnes, given the new Hearts investor is a "very clever man and a very successful man".
McInnes adds they are fully focused on success at the club and are "not wanting to mess about".
Bloom and McInnes had an "enjoyable" and "very engaging" first meeting at Tynecastle, with the Brighton owner "encouraged by the start we've had and encouraged by what the future could look like".
McInnes admits his side have an "advantage" against United because Jim Goodwin's side are playing in Europe on Thursday evening.
However, he says United will be "ready" to face Hearts and is keen to stress his side can't take anything for granted: "You've still got to turn up and do your job well."
On versatile newly-signed striker Pierre Landry Kabore: "He can play the second striker, play with a partner, he can play on his own up there."
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon's recovery from a shoulder injury is "going the right way, but still a slow burner". McInnes adds: "He's getting slightly more strength in the arm and the shoulder, which has been an issue for him."
Image source, SNSForrester will join Simo Valakari's squad for the remainder of the season
Hearts have entered into a cooperation agreement with Championship side St Johnstone, the club's second under the new Scottish FA initiative.
Right-back Adam Forrester, 20, will join Simo Valakari's squad, who are targeting an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership, on loan for the remainder of the season.
Under player partnership agreements, which came into effect this summer and aim to aid the development of emerging Scottish talent, up to three young players can move more freely between the parent and lower-league club.
Premiership clubs can partner with one team in each of the three SPFL tiers below the top flight.
Derek McInnes' side last month entered into a cooperation agreement with League Two Spartans.
McInnes said Hearts are "very pleased" to partner with the Perth Saints and hopes Forrester receives game-time, which is "crucial for him to keep developing and improving".
St Johnstone have agreed a deal with Heart of Midlothian to take 20-year-old right-back Adam Forrester on loan. (The Courier), external
St Johnstone are pushing to complete the loan signing of Adam Forrester from Hearts before Friday night's league trip to Ross County after a deal was verbally agreed. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNS"It would be stupid" to write off Tony Bloom's hopes of Hearts winning the Scottish Premiership title in the next 10 years, says Livingston manager David Martindale.
The Brighton owner recently completed a deal to take a 29% stake in the Edinburgh club and has since shared his ambition to finish "at least second" in the Scottish top flight this term and achieve top spot within a decade.
Glasgow sides Rangers and Celtic have won every top-tier title between them since Sir Alex Ferguson's triumph with Aberdeen in 1985.
But Martindale has no doubt Bloom is capable of achieving big things with Hearts.
"I think he's given himself a lot of wiggle room by saying 10 years," he said.
"But do I believe that they can achieve that? It would be a stupid man that would bet against it.
"If I was a betting man, I would put my money on Tony Bloom achieving what he said he's wanting to achieve rather than saying he's talking ludicrous.
"I'd definitely put my chips behind him because I think he's shown he can do it."
We asked for your views on Tony Bloom's ambitious comments regarding his goals for Hearts.
Here's what some of you said:
Andrew: I am excited, but we have heard it before. It does sound great, but I am going to have patience and enjoy the ride.
Paul: This is the very start of a new era for Hearts and Scottish football. While there will be apprehensive thoughts from some Hearts fans and dismissive comments from others, the operations model and data analysis tools via Jamestown Analytics cannot be underestimated. The evidence is there in plain sight for all to see, now is the time to watch it unfold over the next few seasons. Thereafter, I have no doubt that the league flag will be flying high at Tynecastle once more at least once within the next decade.
Ronnie: I really think we as a club need to have this mentality behind us. The man isn't in this for fun and realistically we as a club must start any season with the belief we will try and win the league and also win cups. That must be every one of the teams' wishes in the league. Bloom, like the rest of us, are sick and tired of the league being over before Christmas because no one can mount a challenge. Why not Hearts? I believe in the man and believe he isn't saying it to be contradictory, he believes it as well.
Gavin: Bloom is setting the bar high. I'd love to think the team is improved enough to get third, especially given the European distractions some teams might face. The appointment of Derek McInnes, the much needed investment - financially and in the playing squad - will bring about improvement: no question. The disgrace of last season won't be tolerated by the fans this year.
John: Bloom is right in saying it is not healthy that only two teams have won the Premiership in 40 years. It's a bold statement to say Hearts should finish at least second, but it shows ambition and that's to be applauded. Let's see if Hearts really do challenge the status quo. It would certainly make for a more exciting league.
Alex: Can't help but feel positive and excited by Bloom's arrival, and his experience and success with other clubs, who he's transformed. It's a huge ask, but if you're settling for third or fourth place every season, what is the point in competing? It's going to be a fascinating five to 10 years.
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Hearts began their new era with a 2-0 Premiership victory over Aberdeen, and they have two players in my team of the week.
Mr Dependable at the back according to feted central defender Willie Miller who was watching at Tynecastle. Derek McInnes clearly agrees and would have loved the moment Stuart Findlay made it 2-0 to seal victory over Aberdeen.
Forcing Harry Milne in at centre half, but played down the left. Looks like he will fill the James Penrice gap with ease.
Image source, SNSStuart Findlay says Hearts' comfortable opening day win over Aberdeen was "a really nice first taste of what Tynecastle can offer".
The defender's header late in the second half helped Derek McInnes' side to a 2-0 victory as they look to continue the stellar form they showed in the League Cup group stage.
"Tonight we started the game on the front foot and we were really aggressive," the 29-year-old said.
"I scored my goal at a nice time, it took a bit of sting out of the tie."
The centre-back, who played under McInnes at Kilmarnock, praised the new manager's attitude.
"The manager wants to install a feeling in us of no one wants to come here and play against the Hearts side," Findlay told BBC Scotland.
"Everyone has bought into what he said and what he wants and that has really shown in the performance tonight."
Many fans are anticipating a strong season for the team after minority owner Tony Bloom said they have a "very good chance" of finishing second this season, splitting the Old Firm.
But Findlay said the team are taking each game as it comes.
"The next target for us is to beat Dundee United next week and make sure we start the season with six points, then we'll take it from there."
We asked for your views on Hearts' 2-0 win against Aberdeen.
Here's what some of you said:
Keith: Thoroughly professional performance, looked strong in every department and have a physicality to dig in when required, Derek McInnes has been flawless since his arrival.
SJ: Couldn't believe the team selection. Three at the back, two full-backs and no wingers when we're at home? Aimless 40-yard cross-field passes! If their striker hadn't missed that sitter, we'd have been embarrassed. When we changed shape on 75 minutes we looked far better. Harry Milne, Finlay Pollock, Craig Halkett and Oisin McEntee were excellent but Christian Borchgrevink and Blair Spittal are not the answer. Grateful for the three points but I don't think we scared any of the other teams.
Jim: Good start in the first half, really good second half. Aberdeen had a good couple of chances from cross balls which was quite alarming considering the height we had at the back but over the piece it was good to see a bit of fight for the second ball. The new signings look good too.
Richard: A hard-fought three points and not really until the second went in did we manage the game. Aberdeen huffed and puffed but were really poor in front of goal. Cameron Devlin and McEntee maintained real composure and tenacity in the last 15 to get us over the line comfortably. Every player is coming onto the pitch with drive and ambition to do well. Great first match under the lights.
Ray: Good result and new signings look lively and better than what we have. However with the aimless long balls up the park we looked like Scotland at the Euros by passing over the midfield. Likely to be third or fourth, but this dinosaur football is not a good watch, we need a progressive manager.
Peter: A very different feeling to this team, dealt well with all they have faced so far. They have a growing confidence, and increasing knowledge of what their teammates are capable of. Goals are coming from many sources and that is very encouraging, especially with Lawrence Shankland in amongst them.
Greg Playfair
Fan writer
Everyone knows that the month of August in Edinburgh is the time of the year when tens of thousands of people descend into Auld Reekie to be entertained, and it's Tony Bloom's one-man show that's been grabbing the headlines in recent days.
He's faced both the camera and supporters and has been steadfast in his belief that he'll get Hearts winning silverware within the next 10 years at least, with many of my fellow Jambos absolutely buying into his vision. Rival supporters will argue he deserves a Fringe award for Best Comedian.
It's hard to ignore the impact he's made at both Brighton and Union Saint Gilloise and the relative success he's brought to both sides, after having been in their respective doldrums. They've been transformed on and off the park, and there's a feeling of expectation – rather than hope – that Gorgie is about to bask in overdue glory.
I absolutely buy into Tony's vision but there must be a sense of pragmatism first and foremost before we aim to disrupt the Old Firm stranglehold in Scottish football. First things first, we need to really establish ourselves as the 'best of the rest' out with the aforementioned.
Looking at the last 10 seasons alone, we've only finished above both Aberdeen and Hibs twice. On five occasions, we've finished at the bottom of this mini league of three teams and so you can understand why there is a debate as to who is the third biggest club in the Scottish football.
In comedy terms, we can't be looking forward to arena tours yet when we are still working the club circuit and trying to be the main headliner.
That said, Monday night's victory against Aberdeen would have been a real boon for Tony Bloom's long-term masterplan but the mastermind of the result was our Head Coach Derek McInnes.
It's fair to say that he has an embarrassment of riches with his 31-man squad, and so even selecting the matchday 20 players would have been a headache.
The team he chose was understandable and our wing-backs Harry Milne and Christian Borchgrevink provided great width in the first half where we could have easily been two or three goals to the good.
There's much been made about Jamestown Analytics and all of our new signings, but the two best performers were two of the 'old guard' in midfielder Cammy Devlin and centre back Craig Halkett. That first 45 minutes from Devlin was up there with the best football I think we've seen from him and Halkett was back to the level of performance that seen him previously touted for a Scotland call up.
It's only one match down out of 38 and we all know that there is going to be many more highs and inevitable lows to come on the Hearts supporting rollercoaster of emotion.
At least when Tony Bloom heads back down to Brighton, he can say that he left Hearts top of the league table and the challenge will be, how long can we stay in the top two league places?
Hearts started their Scottish Premiership campaign with a comfortable win over a wasteful Aberdeen side at Tynecastle.
Hearts fans, what did you make of your side's win?
