Heart of Midlothian

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Hearts have appointed Ross Grant as their first set-play coach.

After sporting director Graeme Jones highlighted the desire for a dedicated set-piece coach, the Tynecastle club have appointed Grant from Dundee United.

He coached in the professional phase of the Tannadice club's academy, and brings 15 years of experience to Gorgie.

Grant was general manager at former Hearts interim boss Austin MacPhee's 'AM Soccer Club' before providing support to MacPhee in his set-piece roles with Aston Villa and the Scotland national team.

Grant says his understanding of set-piece "importance" has developed from working with MacPhee.

In last season's Scottish Premiership, Hearts had eight goals assisted via a set-piece. Motherwell had the most with 13.

Midfielder Blair Spittal created 23 chances from set-pieces - the most by any Hearts player - while United's Will Ferry created the most in the league with 28.

Grant is "excited to develop innovation and creativity" from set-pieces.

"I had a good conversation with Graeme Jones about integrating set-play coaching into the club," he said.

"I'll look to provide clarity, but I'm also excited to develop innovation and creativity about how we make set-pieces more successful in both attacking and defensive terms.

"I'm looking forward to working with the new management team ahead of the new season."

Having signed pre-contracts with Hearts at the tail end of last season, right-back Christian Borchgrevink and winger Alexandros Kyziridis have landed at Tynecastle.

Both join on three-year deals, with Borchgrevink moving from Valarenga in Norway and Kyziridis from Slovakian top-flight club Zemplin Michalovce.

Borchgrevink, 26, signed back in April, when Neil Critchley was still in charge, while 24-year-old Kyziridis was the first recruit after Derek McInnes was appointed.

Now officially a Tynecastle player, Greek Kyziridis can't wait to score goals in Gorgie.

"What excites me the most? To score in this stadium," he told HeartsTV.

"I see this stadium, I can imagine that it will be every game full and this imagination makes me so happy."

Kyziridis scored 16 goals and provided eight assists for Zemplin Michalovce last season.

"I see many great things here and I'm sure that I'm going to enjoy it," he added. "From my side, I will do my best for this club, for everyone here.

"I'm really happy to be here and excited. The decision that I took was, to be honest, very easy.

"From the moment that I heard that this big club wanted me, I just said, OK, let's go. It was so simple."

While it was simple for Kyziridis, his new team-mate Borchgrevink is looking forward to the "physical" Scottish Premiership as he "enjoys a bit of a scrap".

"The first talks I had with [sporting director] Graeme [Jones], talking about the project, how they want me to fit into that project and the system, I can see myself as a football player," the Norwegian said.

"Coming to a big club and then hopefully challenging in the league and hopefully in Europe as well. For me, my ambition is to play on big stages and I think that's a good opportunity to do so here.

"I'm looking forward to it as well because I can enjoy a bit of a scrap, a bit of a duel.

"Maybe it's going to take a while to get used to, but then again, I think that kind of football suits me well as well.

"I think the biggest part of my game or what I enjoy the most is attacking, like many others, but I like to go run up and down the wing and then I enjoy crossing with my right foot as well."

No sooner does the season finish and we start looking forward to key dates for the next campaign - and that will be a lot easier to do on Friday when the Scottish Premiership fixtures are released.

That's right, that special day in the calendar is almost here already. The day when you'll learn details of derby fixtures, Christmas opponents and the run-in to the split.

This page will bring you all the fixtures when they drop at 09:00 BST on Friday and we'll be giving you the chance to have your say on how things look.

The new campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 2 August and will conclude on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

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Stuart Findlay hopes to get Tynecastle "bouncing" after joining Hearts on a season-long loan and reuniting with manager Derek McInnes.

The Oxford United centre-back spent the past two seasons on loan at Kilmarnock with McInnes, who "knows how to get the best out of me" and was "a massive factor" in Findlay signing for Hearts.

The 29-year-old credits McInnes for "rediscovering" his career and insists he knows what the manager demands to deliver success.

"It's a massive, massive club who I've played against - I've played at this stadium many times and you know by the atmosphere, the supporters out there, it's a fantastic place to play football," Findlay told club media.

"It's a place I love to play my football. I think anybody who's played here, anyone who knows their football knows the type of arena Tynecastle can be when it's bouncing, and hopefully, with the season we're all planning on having, it'll be like that more than it's not. I just really can't wait to get started.

"Doubled up with the fact there's a manager who I know believes in me and a manager who I believe in.

"I've got a really good working relationship with him for our previous club and it's something I'm really looking forward to try and bring forward into this new chapter in my career.

"He really helped me rediscover my form after a couple of years of not playing. That's another massive reason why I've come here, he's a manager who knows how to get the best out of me.

"I know what he expects from his teams, day in, day out, and I hope to bring that to this club and we're as successful as we can possibly be here."

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Tony Bloom's proposed investment of close to £10m in Heart of Midlothian moved a step closer after it was approved at an extraordinary general meeting of the club's shareholders.

The Brighton & Hove Albion owner is to invest £9.86m in return for a 29% stake via non-voting shares.

The transaction was overwhelmingly backed by members of Foundation of Hearts – the supporters' group who hold a majority shareholding.

That led to Wednesday's EGM and an update from Tynecastle said that "all of the resolutions have been passed".

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Ryan Fulton's contract extension gives Hearts "strength and stability" in the goalkeeping department, says head coach Derek McInnes.

The 29-year-old, who arrived at Tynecastle last summer from Hamilton, has penned a new deal that runs until the summer of 2027.

Fulton, who played three times last term, will continue to provide competition for the number one spot with Craig Gordon and Zander Clark.

"It's so important to have strong goalkeeping options to choose from," Hearts boss McInnes said. "With Ryan committing his future to the club, we have that that strength and stability.

"I know from speaking to [goalkeeper coach] Paul Gallacher that Ryan is a top professional who gives his all in training and pushes his team-mates to be better.

"Ryan had to be patient last season, but I think everybody saw, when he was called into action, that he is a quality goalkeeper and we're fortunate to have him."

Claudio Braga thinks "it's going to be amazing" to play for Hearts after his switch from Aalesunds for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old Portuguese forward has been the Norwegian second-tier side's top scorer for the last three seasons and puts that down to pure hard work.

"I know the fans love hard workers and I promise that, sometimes I'll fail, sometimes I'll miss, but for sure I'll try my best in every game - that's the secret," he told Hearts' website.

Braga expects plenty of "intensity and aggression" from Scottish Premiership defences but aims to meet fire with fire.

Also highlighting his versatility, he said: "Wherever the coach wants to put me - number 10, front two, or on the wing - I am fine with that."

Asked about new head coach Derek McInnes, Braga added: "I felt a lot of interest in me and that helped me be very interested in the club."

His move was the result of "a lot of conversations" and he is now relishing the prospect of playing "in front of 20,000 fans at Tynecastle".

Danny Armstrong has had "options from all over the world" since deciding to leave Kilmarnock amid reported interest from Hearts. (Scottish Sun), external

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon hopes new manager Derek McInnes can replicate the impact George Burley had on the club at the start of the 2005-06 season. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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"Happy endings don't happen often in football, but it'd be ideal."

As Craig Gordon prepares for his 24th season in football, it's understandable he's also thinking about how his illustrious chapter in the game ends.

The 42-year-old goalkeeper recently signed a new one-year deal with Hearts and started between the sticks for Scotland in March, but even the man who's defied all odds with his longevity in the game knows the end is nigh.

That doesn't mean his outlook or attitude has changed, though.

He's still as driven as the young man who first stepped into Hearts in 1999 and as determined as the chap who battled back from multiple career-ending injuries.

"Trying to be the best I can be is how I got here and it's the only way to stay here," Gordon said, previewing his testimonial next month against Sunderland.

"Regardless of age and what I have to do to get to that level, that's the process and that's what I stick to trying to do.

"No matter what I'm doing, whether it's in training, in games, whether I'm reflecting on the performances, analysing, it's to be the best that I can possibly be.

"Trying to improve, I still think that's possible even at this age. You still have to try and improve things that you can improve and that's what keeps me going."

The prospect of reaching a World Cup does too.

Scotland begin their qualifying campaign in September, and if fit, Gordon would be expected to be in the mix, particularly given the recent struggles Steve Clarke has had in that position.

"[Appearing at a World Cup] would be ideal, but there's an awful lot of football to be played," he added.

"Happy endings don't happen often in football, so that's something to work towards, something to give everything that I've possibly got to try and achieve and then we'll see where it takes us."

Hearts have missed out on Australian winger Daniel Arzani, 26, who is joining Budapest club Ferencvaros from Melbourne Victory. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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The SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".

Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.

"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.

"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."

Aberdeen are not among the clubs looking to sign Iraq winger Marko Farji despite a report suggesting they are vying with Heart of Midlothian to sign the Stromsgodset 21-year-old. (Press & Journal), external

Huddersfield Town have decided against appointing Joe Savage to their recruitment team after holding talks with the former Hearts sporting director. (Football Insider), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Craig Gordon believes Derek McInnes' "motivation and passion" has "lifted everybody" at Hearts since he was appointed the new head coach.

McInnes was announced as boss at the end of the season, and will soon meet up with his squad for pre-season before the League Cup group stage begins next month.

Goalkeeper Gordon, will also play his testimonial in July against his former club Sunderland and the 42-year-old is excited by all that's to come.

"Derek seems really motivated, really excited to get in the position," Gordon said at Tynecastle.

"He phoned me from his holidays to just have a chat about things and the main thing I took from it was how passionate, how excited he was to get started and get everybody going.

"I think that's going to rub off on everybody here.

"Even speaking to players after, because I know he's spoken to a lot of them, everybody's saying the same thing.

"It seems to have lifted everybody just even hearing the way he's talking, how passionate he is about it, so I think everybody's really looking forward to getting started."

Nigerian striker Uchenna Ogundu is a transfer target for Hearts but the 19-year-old who played in the Turkish second-tier with Sanliurfaspor last season is attracting interest from all over Europe. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Stromsgodset winger Marko Farji is on Hearts' transfer radar - with Aberdeen also showing interest in the Iraq international. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

We asked for your views on the ongoing situation between Lawrence Shankland and Hearts, with the striker yet to decide on his future.

As it stands, the Scotland forward is set to depart Tynecastle as a free agent - but do you think he will stay or go?

Here's what some of you said:

Pete: He'll most likely be moving on and good luck to him. He scored a lot of goals for us and deserves to get a big pay day. However, if he's to make a success of any move, he'll have to sort out his conditioning which, for a professional athlete, was terrible last season.

Keith: It's gone on long enough, get rid of him and bring in a new striker. It's quite clear he doesn't want to play for Hearts.

Jim: The word on the street is Shankland isn't going to sign a new contract, which is a pity, as I'd love him to stay. He has to do what he thinks is right for him and his family, so if he does move on, he does so with my thanks and best wishes and I hope the majority of all Hearts fans think the same.

Chris: Shankland will leave, when his contract is done he will announce it. He's been a fantastic servant and if he stayed with us he would have had a few cracking years of football left, but I understand this is his last chance to move and make some money for his family. Goes with the best of wishes.

Ellie: Time for Shankland to move on. Never been happy with his attitude all season and as Derek McInnes has been quoted as saying, 'Hearts are not a back-up plan'. No player is bigger than the club. Time we stopped pandering to him.

Hearts are closing in on a deal to sign Oxford United and former Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay, 29. (Sun), external

The Tynecastle club are also progressing with a deal to sign Aalesund FK's Portuguese forward Claudio Bravo, 25. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Could Lawrence Shankland's history with new Hearts head coach Derek McInnes be key in convincing the striker to stay at the club?

Reports in recent days suggest English Championship side West Brom are keen on the Scotland forward, who is currently set to be a free agent this summer.

However, former Tynecastle boss Steven Naismith believes McInnes' arrival means "there is more optimism" Shankland will remain in Gorgie.

McInnes managed Shankland during his team as Aberdeen manager, but the striker struggled to become a first-team regular during his time at Pittodrie.

"Like any player, there are more options when you're out of contract," Naismith, who was Hearts boss during Shankland's free-scoring 2023-24 season, said on BBC Sportsound.

"It gives you a chance to sit and think what's best for you at this stage in your career, but he'll want it sorted before pre-season starts.

"He's a goal scorer, they are hard to come by. West Brom are linked with him. But with McInnes coming in and having a relationship with him, I think there's more optimism he could stay with Hearts."

Hearts fans, how do you feel about the Shankland situation? Will he stay or will he go? Send us your thoughts.

Hearts are keen on 25-year-old Aalesund striker Claudio Braga, who is valued by the Norwegian second-tier club at £400,000. (Sunday Mail), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Craig Gordon's testimonial match will see Hearts face newly-promoted Premier League side Sunderland at Tynecastle next month.

The Scottish Premiership club say 42-year-old goalkeeper Gordon has "earned legendary status" after racking up 330 appearances across two spells.

The Scotland international, and the nation's fourth-most capped player, left Hearts in 2007 for Sunderland, who will visit Tynecastle on Saturday, 26 July.

"It's a great honour to be granted a testimonial year with the club that I grew up supporting," Gordon said. "The club I have given my all for, the club that I love.

"Throughout my career I've won trophies, played at the highest level and represented my country, but what fills me with pride the most is pulling on that Hearts jersey and walking out in front of our fans.

"To be able to share a testimonial year with our supporters is very special to me. It's also particularly pleasing to look forward to welcoming Sunderland to Tynecastle.

"I enjoyed some great times at the Stadium of Light and they hold a special place in my heart."

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A week-long pre-season training camp in Spain will be "crucial" for Hearts as they aim to "hit the ground running" under new head coach Derek McInnes.

The Tynecastle side will depart on 28 June and play a closed-doors friendly against English fourth-tier side Crawley Town during their stay.

Hearts start competitive action against Dunfermline Athletic in their League Cup group opener at Tynecastle on 12 July.

"Trips like these are a vital part of preparing properly for the season ahead," new boss McInnes said.

"The benefits the players will get from intense training sessions in that kind of heat are clear, and that is crucial for us as we look to hit the ground running when the season starts.

"It's also good for the players to spend time with each other. We've got some new faces, mine included, so for everyone to be in the one place and around each other for a whole week will be great for building relationships."

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We asked for your views on what Hearts need to do in the transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Alan: Definitely think we should re-sign Lawrence Shankland, it would be great to see him recapture his form with the team set up around him.

Jimbo: I'd like Shankland to stay but ultimately that's up to him. We need a commanding centre-back, in the style of Steven Pressley, as we're too fragile and lose bad goals. I'm sure the new manager will impose himself on a squad that repeatedly lacks fight. Some players need moved on too, a lot of them.

Steve: We need pace and physicality in midfield. So many need to go, Aidan Denholm, Kenneth Vargas, Sander Kartum, Cammy Devlin, Lewis Neilson, Jamie McCart, Musa Drammeh and sadly Beni Baningime. Beni is worth something, he's skilful, but he frequently slows down our movement going forward and we lose impetus. James Forrest is a bit hit and miss and he is not ready for regular first-team football.

Graeme: A top-class goalkeeper as Craig Gordon is getting on a bit, and a strong, speedy striker. Need to transfer some of the current squad out though.

Alan: What is required is quality not quantity. We seem to get English League one or Two types and we gamble with foreign lower-league players. Stump up higher wages for the few who will drive up standards.

Keith: Defence looks to be covered. Midfield we could do with a couple more strong, powerful attacking midfielders and up front hopefully Shankland signs and another winger would round off a good transfer window.

Jim: It is good to see Hearts strengthening the squad, I hope with the blessing of the new manager. I have my doubts about Vargas - he promises much but delivers very little. Shankland must stay, some say he is slow, they said the same about Kenny Dalglish, but what both had is superior skill and an eye for goal. I still think we need an established creative midfielder and another solid central defender but much will depend on who is available, at what price and does it fit in with the new manager's style of play?

Ronnie: We need to get a few out as early as possible, players that our gaffer knows he isn't going to play. He needs two full teams so he can change personnel without making it weaker, Shankland knows that his next move is his big move so it's best he takes his time and sees who will come for him. I think Hearts will be the biggest club after him but time will tell.