NO IDLE TALK 

on TELETEXT

Read NIT Editor Craig Young's views every Wednesday (sometimes Thursday) on ITV teletext page 531

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WEDNESDAY  2nd February 2005

Well, it's been a bit of a mixed week down Tynecastle way! We re-captured 4th place from Aberdeen on Saturday with what I would describe as a competent performance. It wasn't spectacular, and Aberdeen were not very good. We won by a penalty, and there's been much in the press about it. However, TV evidence showed it was a penalty.

That should have set us up for a CIS semi final win against Motherwell, a team who have got the better of us lately, if the truth be told. Being a Hearts fan, I turn up at semi finals more in hope than in expectation. To lose a cracking cup tie 3-2 in extra time makes out that it was an exciting , close encounter, but in reality, Hearts only played well for about 20 minutes in the 120 minutes.

I won't pick out individuals, but all defenders contributed to our downfall. It's very disappointing to lose to a team that was clearly more hungry to reach a cup final than we were. The bad thing is, the same thing happened at the same venue 7 years ago against St Johnstone. Have we learned nothing?

Saturday brings the 3rd leg of the 3 vital matches. It's now imperative we beat Kilmarnock to keep the season alive.

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WEDNESDAY  26th JANUARY 2005

Just finished listening to the Livvy game. We sure are pulling results out of the fire just now. You read the papers and we are in crisis. We've sold two of our best players and our forward line is in apparent dissaray, yet since the turn of the year, we have been unbeaten and this includes an away draw against probably the best team in the league (at the moment). Clearly there are issues needing dealt with. If it wasn't for Paul Hartley and his goal threat I shudder to think where we would be just now.

Off the field is more important just now. It would be nice to win the cup games and I'm sure we will, but I just wish that Romanov would get the cheque book out. It's unsettling when we don't know 100% if he is in or out. Robbo continues to struggle to get the team playing his style, so we are going to have to get through this sticky period somehow.

Saturday brings a dons side to Tynecastle who have dropped down the league and we should be looking to overhaul them. We will have to be patient. I'll settle for a 2-1 with 2 late goals. Remember, we need to get behind them for 90 minutes, and nobody needs to be a subject to any boo boys

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WEDNESDAY  19th JANUARY 2005 

Saturdays Partick hangover  seemed to continue onto the following Saturday, with another lacklustre performance against Dundee United. There was a little spice in the game, as Stevie Crawford made his debut for United when it could easily have been Hearts.  United scored first early, and packed their defence making it difficult for Hearts, with their depleted forward line.

Step up captain Elvis. Notably absent at corners, he sneaked in at the back post for a great goal, and you would have to wonder why he doesn’t do that more often, leaving someone line Neilsen on the halfway line. We won 3-2 in the end and I guess it’s the result that counts.

It’s now make or break time. In rapid succession we play in 2 crucial cup ties and play our game in hand in the league. While the opposition in the three games are Partick, Killie and Motherwell, we cannot be complacent, We can and should win all three games, but there are clearly things that Robbo needs to sort out.

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WEDNESDAY  12th JANUARY 2005

It’s been a bit of a mixed week for Hearts fans. Firstly, I was at Partick and watched a dismal performance. Partick did play well, but we did play like a team that is lacking in self belief and our composure in front of goal is basically shocking. We had enough chances to bury Partick several times over. Now we have to do it all again in the replay.

I can understand the players underperforming while there’s so much going on behind the scenes. We can only hope that the situation improves soon. We clearly need at least 3 new players (probably more)

On that note I was in the Gorgie Suite on Monday and I was pleased with what I heard. Now that 70% of the shareholders have backed Romanov there is no going back. He really needs to produce something tangible soon. We have signed Lee Miller until the end of the season, but I worry about the rest of the season if that’s all we are getting during the transfer window.

Contributions are now required for issue 67. Deadline 2nd February

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WEDNESDAY  29th DECEMBER  2004

Crisis, what crisis?  Hearts produced an extremely average performance against what was a strong and confident Celtic side. In the end we were easily beaten. I'm not convinced MDV deserved a penalty. On the field, we have too many players underperforming.  Stamp, Weir and De Vries are unconvincing, and McAllister has gone off form.

With the added pressure on players out of contract and the press attention, it doesn't surprise me that Alan Maybury isn't playing out of his skin at the moment. There are also issues about the best position for players (especially Wyness). These are all issues that John Robertson has to address. He didn't play Pereira or Hammill from the start, and they were playing well.

On Sunday we play hibs at easter road and I think they will "expect to take goals off us". While their forwards are undoubtedly mobile, they will not score if our midfield stops their midfield providing them a service. I'm not looking for a vintage performance, and I'm not looking for attractive football. 'm looking for 100% commitment from everyone on the pitch. Don't forget there are a couple of their players who may be playing in their last ever derby match as well.

Happy New year to all our readers

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WEDNESDAY  22nd DECEMBER  2004

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone reading this a merry Christmas from the No Idle Talk team. Little to talk about on the football front since the Livingston game was called off. Since Aberdeen got beaten we would have to put that down as a good weekend. Pity about the hibs late winner.

All the talk this week has been of Romanov and Chris Robinson. The news that the Cala Homes deadline has been extended is good news. However, the news today that Romanov has requested a special egm in January following the Stadium Working Group findings is something new.

CPR has been shown to not have the best interests of Hearts (or their shareholders) at heart, as the findings clearly suggest we have at least 5 more years at Tynecastle. Let's hope this little episode hastens the departure of Chris Robinson, and let's also hope that SMG finally stop stalling and get themselves extracted from something they should never have touched in the first place.

Boxing day sees Celtic visiting and wouldn't it be nice to get it up them for once. Far too often they play badly against other opposition then turn it on against us. Let's get right intae them.

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WEDNESDAY  15th DECEMBER  2004

Hearts fought out a predictable 1-1 draw up at Aberdeen in front of what was really a pathetic crowd. The sooner Inverness are back on their own patch the better as far as I am concerned. They play some good football, and no doubt some of their players had something to rove to Robbo, so it came as no surprise to me that a draw was the end result. The only blackspot was the dismissal of Andy Webster. I've only seen the incident once and it was inconclusive. However, Hearts appear not to be appealing the decision. Signs that Robbo is accepting that referees can be right as well as wrong?

On the eve of (arguably) the biggest game in Hearts European history you would think the talk would be of footballing matters. No siree bob. The Pieman has a row with Real Radio and the Hearts PR wagon comes off the rails. SMG are asking for more money and Romanov won't be in charge until February at the latest. All this means that CPR is still in charge and still making decisions.

A final word to anybody swithering about going on Thursday. Get off your backsides and support the team! Oh, and I've still got some No Idle Talk;s to sell at half time as well

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WEDNESDAY  8th DECEMBER  2004

Hearts got back to winning ways on Saturday and with some style as well. Dunfermline were very disappointing and didn't really offer any threat at all. Still, 3 goals for in a season where we have found goals difficult to come by is not bad, and a clean sheet is always welcome.  Dennis Wyness continues to show that he may have a future at Hearts. Paul Hartley continues to impress, and Ramon was in the news for the right reasons.

Saturday  sees a difficult trip to Robbos old stomping ground. ITC will be doing everything in their power to get the points of us, so I expect a tough game. With the most important European game of the season coming up on the Thursday I wonder if Robbo will hold anyone back? I think I might if I were him?

We will just have to wait and see. With the demise of Celtic, there are only 2 Scottish teams left in Europe.

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WEDNESDAY  1st DECEMBER  2004

This week has taken Hearts to a new level. 2000 Hearts fans witnessed our finest every European performance in Switzerland. To win in the style we did is a great achievement and I am jealous that I wasn't there. We now have a real chance of making history when we play Ferencvaros. Also good to see Robbie Neilson ( who isn't short of critics) get his first goal.

On Sunday it was back to league business and a tricky game at Ibrox. First team(other than Celtic) to get a penalty at Ibrox for years. Good start, however Rangers played well and it was another case of what might have been. Credit to Robbo and the players for attacking Rangers - something I've been advocating for years.

John Robertson has got off to a reasonable start as manager, however I've not been overly impressed with his after match comments. While both the Maybury and De Vries incidents could have resulted in a different decision from the referee, I can see why each was given and what I don't want to happen is for Robbo to get a reputation as a whinger every time we don't win. That won't encourage referees to treat us fairly.

Saturday is a must for 3 points, Anything else and 3rd place is going to look pretty distant.

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WEDNESDAY  24th NOVEMBER  2004

Hearts lost at home to someone outside the Old Firm for the first time in ages at the weekend, and while  I thought we were good for at least a point against Motherwell, we have been exposed. There's nothing wrong with our defensive qualities. But up front we do have some real issues at the moment. From what  I observed on Saturday, Mark de Vries and Ramon Pereira are not exactly going to exchange Christmas cards this year. MDV looks unfit and Ramon's workrate is not high enough. The deputies (Weir and McKenna) are not exactly going to set the heather on fire, and Dennis Wyness went off without disgracing himself, yet without contributing in a telling way. It's something Robbo has to sort out. We are going to achieve nothing if we go through the season averaging one goal a game.

It must be disappointing for Robbo to lose his first home game, but he was wrong with the penalty and his outburst was a bit over the top. We should have been good enough to beat a team with 10 men. Maybe their minds were on Thursday. Basle will be difficult. They will expect to beat us. I'll settle for a draw right now

Good luck to everyone who is going across there

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WEDNESDAY  17th NOVEMBER  2004

Hearts fought out a hard 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at the weekend.  Steven Pressley missed only his second game of the season and Berra deputised. Hearts looked good in places, but it must be frustrating for the manager to see the potential both De Vries and Pereira have, but only to have them available as bit-part players. It was also good to see Dennis Wyness getting a goal, even if it was a tap-in.  He could have a run under Robbo for a while.

At the weekend Motherwell come calling. Hopefully the internationalists will come back with a clean bill of health. Hibs play Dundee and Aberdeen play  Livingston so we cannot afford any slip ups. Motherwell have been hot and cold lately, but they are one of the teams who can be good on their day. The race for third place is fairly hotting up. There seem to be at least 4 other teams trying to muscle into our action! Our downfall could be the lack of goals scored. Fortunately we have someone in change who just may be able to do something about that

On another note, issue 66 is available on Saturday priced £1

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WEDNESDAY  10th NOVEMBER  2004

Another busy week in the life of Heart of Midlothian. On Wednesday, appoint a new manager, on Thursday play a European tie in front of the biggest non Glasgow crowd for over 30 years. On Sunday we win away at Aberdeen to go back to third place and on Wednesday we have the small matter of a League Cup quarter Final. If that's not enough, Hearts are also involved in the excursion to Contalmaison, a mission which sets Heart of Midlothian Football Club apart from others.

Back to the football. The match against Schalke was disappointing for several reasons. We didn't really get going, and for the second European match in a row we got no 50/50 decisions from the Russian referee. In the end it took a 40 yard strike after we had Kisnorbo sent off to beat us. Prior to the kick off I was apprehensive. After the match I was angry because I thought we should have done better but blew it.

Sunday made amends. It's always good to beat Aberdeen, but to dump them from third place was sweet. Let's hope that bubble is burst now.

On Wednesday we have an important cup tie. A win throws up all sorts of possibilities. A semi final against hibs at Murrayfield for instance?

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WEDNESDAY  3rd NOVEMBER  2004

There's never a dull moment being a Hearts fan just now. If things were not exciting enough, we go and lose one of the best managers we have had in years. Normal fans would be weeping buckets and crying "woe is me". Not Hearts fans. We've only got another living Jambo legend coming to work for us again in time to take on Schalke 04.

As Tam Cowan said, it's the most boring managers vacancy ever, with a short list of ONE. John Robertson may have wished to cut his teeth for a couple more years, but the opportunity to hammer the hibs as a manager as well as a player has been too much.

You'd think the players might play below par in the game after Craig Levein left, Not so, we even got our best result of the season and Dennis Wyness scored a beauty.

I'd like to wish Craig Levein all the best and thank him for the last few years. He came in at a time when things were at a low ebb and he stuck to his job and has given us some great times. I'll watch his career develop.

Two big games coming up. Schalke 04 are a bigger club than the name suggests. We need to perform well. A big crowd is guaranteed so let's hear you get right behind the team

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WEDNESDAY  27th OCTOBER  2004

We are right in the middle of a really busy spell at the moment. It's a measure of our success I suppose. I was in Rotterdam and when seeing the starting lineup, I wasn't too optimistic. Even as the game unfolded, my position in the stand didn't give me a great perspective on either "goal". It wasn't until the mobile phones started ringing from home that we realised there had been a minor miscarriage of justice. However, they were better on the night and we enjoyed the trip anyway.

The players might have been forgiven for underperforming in the first proper derby match on Sunday. Not a bit of it. There were some tired legs out there (or so I was told !), and we gave the hibs a lesson. It was boys against men stuff. Hearts wouldn't be Hearts if they didn't have us going at the end, but everybody outside of Easter Road says we deserved to win. No hibs fans have given us any credit. Some of the comments range from lucky to our tactics leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Well, girfuy I say.

Dundee United away on Wednesday then Dundee at home are, on most occasions 6 points in the bag, but with MDV out, and probably Stamp, we will have to up the work rate once again to keep up with Aberdeen. 

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WEDNESDAY  20th OCTOBER  2004

Hearts lost easily to Celtic at the weekend and it's not difficult to understand why. We still have major problems going forward, and whether we still lack belief or not I don't know. Let's put it down to the player s having their minds on other things. You cannot blame the players for not shining in the league matches, if they are performing on the bigger stage. Our squad size and experience isn't going to allow both.

Fans of the lochend Brazil will argue that we are preparing an excuse for Sunday. While it is every Hearts fans great wish to beat hibs every time we play them, I know which of the two I would pick if we had to win one of them. Not that I am expecting Hearts to win in Rotterdam, but I am expecting 100% commitment as the team showed in Braga. We can deal with the fall out and injuries when Sunday comes.

Finally, have a great journey all Hearts fans travelling to Rotterdam. The No Idle Talk bus leaves Linlithgow at 6pm to Dover. Watch out for the No Idle Talk flag across there.

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WEDNESDAY  13th OCTOBER  2004

With Hearts not playing at the weekend, the spotlight was on the internationals, and in particular could Scotland get their first win in the qualifying section. The emphatic answer was no.  I don't know if I feel sorry for Berti Vogts or not. He has had some horrendous injury problems, and he has never been able to field a 100% strong team. Against Norway, the effort was there, but I really thought we looked very ordinary.

I also hate watching Scotland games with Hearts players. It was painful to listen to all the Celtic fans in the pub saying Craig Gordon should never have been playing. Like Marshall is any good? Gordon is weak at cross balls, we all know that. He is young and will get over it. It doesn't explain why there isn't an older keeper in the squad to keep the 2 youngsters right.

I also don't understand why Dickov was left on his own for so long, and we didn't put 2 up front earlier. Then what do I know.

On Saturday Hearts are back in league action against Celtic and we already have injury worries. I wonder who will get rested. Craig must be torn between doing well at Parkhead or saving players for Feyenoord. Still, it is a nice problem for a coach to have.

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WEDNESDAY  6th OCTOBER  2004

A momentous week in the proud history of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Firstly, we receive news that Chris Robinson has agreed to sell his shares to Mr Romanov, then we only go and play arguably our best ever away european tie to become the first Scottish team to qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Cup. Don't let anybody belittle that achievement. Rangers nearly didn't make it. The manner of the victory was sweet given the unkind remarks made by the Braga coach. Sadly for him, he will have to join the hibs watching it unfold on the telly while he is sat at home!

Of course, the inevitable happened on Sunday. A tired team, some probably a little "under the weather" from the travel could only muster a 0-0 draw with Livingston.. Fortunately other results went in our favour and, while we have lost at least 10 points which we may have expected to win on another day, we are not too far adrift.

Craig levein is now going to have to make a decision about which competition he wishes to specialise in. On the one hand we have to make sure we qualify for europe again. On the other hand, we may not have this situation against so should we try to qualify from the group at the expense of league points? Then there's the CIS cup. We are one win away from a Hampden semi final (not to be sniffed at).  We used to qualify for them regularly, but they have become a bit sparse lately.

Nice problems for a coach to have, though ! Are you watching, Hibee scum?

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WEDNESDAY  29th SEPTEMBER  2004

With the injury crisis continuing, the question being asked was who is going to play up front today? On Saturday the answer was Wyness, on his own with some help from Hammill and McAllister. The way things stand, our team is disjointed to say the least. In defence we are steady, although I do long to see Maybury in his natural position along with McAllister. If that means Neilsen loses out, then so be it. Anyway, the formation was enough to beat a stuffy Inverness side. Hartley was better than Juanjo on the day and we scored with one of only two good ones.

Still, as Craig levein said to the players, the week before a European tie, the result is more important. We can now travel to Braga with some confidence. It will be so hard there and it will be so important not to lose an early goal. I've no doubt that we will be resolute in defence (as we always are under CL). However, unless one or two of the front men come back, I fear that our defence will se too much action, as our front players may not be able to hold the ball up.

Anyway, good luck Hearts and good luck all the jambos who will be there ( I wish I was one of them). Oh, and good luck Mr Robinson in your negotiations (wink) (spelling?).

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WEDNESDAY  22nd SEPTEMBER  2004

The last week has seen Hearts fans go from a great high and back to earth again with a bump. A fantastic win against SC Braga has given us high hopes of qualifying for the group stages. At kick off we didn't even know whether we would have 2 strikers. 3-1 was above my expectations, as was the attendance. Food for thought for everyone there I think.

I suppose it was inevitable that East End park on a Sunday with 6 team changes was asking too much. Whether they were forced changes or not, the team did not play well. If it was not for the brilliance of Craig Gordon in goals, we would have been humped! It's ok for the manager to rest one, maybe two players, but our squad is not strong enough to carry the injuries and have the luxury of being able to rest players.

Thoughts now carry to Wednesday and the CIS (or Mickey Mouse) Cup. What kind of team will we put out there? Personally, I'd go in all guns blazing. We only have to win 2 matches and we have a Hampden date. I've never understood why we are not committed to this tournament. Out of all 3 it must be the easiest to win if you really want it. After that, Robbo and Juanjo are back. Tricky game against Inverness, but the way things are 3 points are a must (as long as the player's minds are not on other things).

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WEDNESDAY  15th SEPTEMBER  2004

Sunday football doesn't usually remind you of exciting football and atmosphere, but at least we got one of the two in the game against Rangers. It was all about blood and snotters at times, and on the odd occasion when someone did something good, they more often than not received a hefty challenge, warning them not to do so again. A 0-0 draw was what both teams deserved.

There was, however more action on Monday night and that didn't involve football. Hearts held their long anticipated EGM and what a shambles it was. Out of it with credit comes George Foulkes for not closing the meeting when CPR asked him to and for asking Jim Clydesdale to speak in contradiction to CPR about pitch sizes. Jim Clydesdale himself for having the bottle to stand up to Robinson. Ian Mcleod for speaking so eloquently and emotionally, and finally to Callum Anderson and Gary Mackay for speaking without losing the plot.

Finally, it is off to Murrayfield and the NIT team would like to wish the team well against Braga. It certainly won't feel like a home game, and part of me wishes this I the last time I set foot in it.

NIT will be available cost £1 inside Murrayfield

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WEDNESDAY  8th SEPTEMBER  2004

While many Hearts and Hibs fans stayed at home, a strong Hearts reserve team was ripping their neighbours apart in the sadly devalued Festival Cup. This really has to be a pre season tournament from now on, as it has become a joke.

Anyway, there were positives. Mark De Vries took only 10 seconds to add to his already impressive tally against Hibs. Other players got a run out and it was good to see Dennis Wyness get a goal. The crowd of just over 7000 was more to do with the pricing that any boycott, as very few boycotters turned up at Saughton Park. Still, whatever the level, it's good to get one over on your city neighbours.

Onto more pressing matters and on Sunday we take on Rangers with a 2pm kick off.  Normally I would be complaining against Sunday football, but in this case, while Hearts fans need no encouragement to shout abuse at Rangers fans, the fact that the Rangers fans are having their own flag day in protest at Chris Robinson should ensure a highly charged emotional afternoon. Given that Rangers are not exactly performing so far this season, we have every reason to be optimistic.

No Idle Talk issue 65 will be available on Sunday

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WEDNESDAY  1st SEPTEMBER  2004

Hearts were brought back down to earth with a bump on Saturday. They put in a dreadful display (Gordon and Kisnorbo passmarks) and capitulated to a Motherwell team not exactly brimming full of talent, but a team willing to fight. A soft penalty summed up Hearts day. Craig Levein once again had to answer questions from the SFA (after he had been to the hospital for a check up). Fortunately for each of the Hearts first team, Craig chose to connect with the dressing room wall rather than lamp one of the many non-triers.

It wasn't a great match for the Portuguese to judge whether we are any good or not.  Braga is a bit of an unknown quantity and our main hope is that their season only started on Monday. 

On Saturday we have the Festival Cup, which is being dedicated to Gordon Smith who died recently. Save Our Hearts have asked fans to boycott this game in protest of Chris Robinson and to assemble in Saughton park where a collection will be taken for Gordon Smith.  Meanwhile, a Lithuanian banker is threatening to "save" the club from CPR. Frying pans and fire spring to mind, but I'll keep an open mind, as long as the incoming team don't start messing with the team on the park.

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WEDNESDAY  25th AUGUST  2004

Saturdays game against Kilmarnock did not disappoint anyone (unless you were a Killie fan, of course). In the first half, as expected it was a very tight game and what a delight to see Graeme Weir scoring with a header.  He is a guy struggling to stay ion the first team, but you can't fault him for effort. In the second half it was one way traffic, and could have been more than the 3-0 scoreline at the end. Everyone did their bit and it is good to see players like Robbie Nielsen share the limelight a bit.

Want about the ex-Jambos? Alan Johnston and Gary Wales didn't display any reason why we should be sorry they left, and wasn't it a shame to see Gary Locke throwing his weight around to no real effect?

So with 3 games gone we are level second which isn't bad. We haven't lost a goal and the next game is against Motherwell who are a bit of a Jekyl and Hyde team. On their day they could hump us, but we should be a little bit better than that these days.

Off the field, CR took a bit of abuse on Saturday and an impromptu protest after the whistle has given him food for thought. It wouldn't surprise me to see a lot more of that this season as the day we all dread looms closer.

Articles wanted for issue 65 - zinescene@blueyonder.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY  18th AUGUST  2004

A healthy crowd of over 13,000 watched a very good 0-0 draw between two extremely competitive sides. A sizeable Aberdeen support meant that there was a good atmosphere.  Sadly what both teams lacked was a bit of punch up front. Hearts makeshift forward line didn't look like ripping the dons defence apart, although Pereira had a decent game. I was looking for a bit more from the likes of Stamp and Hartley in support. 

Hearts were all over Aberdeen in the first half and in the second it was more even. I enjoyed the contest between Elvis and Noel Whelan which threatened to spill over a couple of times. This, coupled with several bookings and the return of Scott Severin ensured that the crowd stayed entertained till the end.

On Saturday we host Killie who have also started the season well. In the side could well be 3 ex Jambos so they will not be lacking in the effort and commitment department. Let's turn up in numbers again, and get the atmosphere going again.

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WEDNESDAY  11th AUGUST  2004

Mission accomplished. One game played, and maximum points gained. You never know how a team is going to perform in the first game, and without exactly setting the heather on fire we beat a shot-shy Dundee side quite easily. Good to see Elvis scoring a penalty so quickly after missing a couple. A good competitive debut from Pereira and a particularly impressive performance from young Joe Hammill. With Rangers and hibs both failing to win, we can consider it a good day at the office.

On Saturday it's our first home game of the season. A chance for us to see whether the fans are going to back the team in numbers. Aberdeen drew with Rangers and they have Scott Severin in the side, so I expect there will be plenty sheep singing in the corner. That means we have to be up to the challenge. At some point, we Hearts fans have to shed our apathy and either get right behind the players, or right behind the protests or even both (but not at the same time).

Difficult times ahead. Let's all ensure that the management and the media know that we are in full voice and will not be defeated easily.

Articles wanted for issue 65. E-mail zinescene@blueyonder.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY  4th AUGUST  2004

One week to go until the big kick off  and the beginning of what could be a historic season on and off the park. On the park, despite the financial constraints we have a team stuffed full of internationalists. We have seven not counting Tepi. Clearly none of them would grace a world XI but it's very encouraging.  Winning friendlies isn't essential and Michael Stewart will undoubtedly be a good signing once he is fully fit. Against Fulham he showed enough to keep us interested.

On Saturday we take on Dundee who will surely struggle without Nacho Novo. It will be interesting to see if Stuart Lovell emerges from the shadows. It will also be interesting to see if Chris Sutton's brother John is any good. We should take 3 points from this if we have any ambitions this season.

Off the field the Save Our Hearts group have made a move for Chris Robinson's shares. Much of what happens on the park will be linked to what ultimately happens off it. If CPR goes quietly then I'm not sure we are out of the woods.  In the Daily Record magazine 4 of 11 pundits actually predicted Hearts to win the Scottish Cup this season.

Here's wishing all the players and  management well for the forthcoming season from all at NIT

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WEDNESDAY  28th JULY  2004

One week to go before the new season starts and preparations are in full swing. A successful tour of Canada and tonights draw with Ross County has set us up well for our test against Fulham on Saturday. It's not a glamorous friendly and I don't suppose it'll be a sell out crowd, but games involving English opposition often have a competitive edge to them.

Fulham is one of these teams who have some very skillfull players but nobody really knows their names. Of course they recently signed Papa Bouba Diop.  Diop grabbed the world's attention when he scored the goal that beat France at the opening match of the 2002 World Cup finals; he made 25 league appearances last season scoring three goals for Lens. If Fulham play Bocanegra, Buari, Goma, Bonnissel, Leqwinski or Votz then the commentators may even run for cover.

On our side, the injury to Craig Gordon is worrying, and I think the striker situation is far from sorted out.However, we have a good squad and have no reason to fear the new season, whatever it brings us

Contributions not being sought for issue 65 of No Idle Talk. E-mail zinescene@blueyonsder.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY  26th MAY  2004

I wondered what I was going to write about this week since there's nothing going on down Tynecastle way. It's too early for signings and the off field activities have died down.

So you can always rely on the wee team to supply us with loads of journalistic copy. Look no further than Tony Mowbray.  For a team who almost think they gave football to the Brazilians, they just about deserve Mowbray.  It's a big risk by hibs. Conspiracy theorists believe it's a way to guarantee less season ticket holders to strengthen the joint stadium bid. Others are gob-smacked. Tony Mowbray was part of one of the worst Celtic teams ever and if I were a hibs fan I would wonder what the board were playing at. I don't think he has even been the manager at Ipswich. Still, if you think about it at least it fits in with the words of the song for the first time since Alex Miller!

Once that has died down I will turn my attention to other things maroon. Linlithgow Rose have the chance to win the Superleague this weekend if they beat Tayport on Saturday. I'll be there to cheer them on. If anyone ever wants a laugh at the junior football go and see the antics of the wee neds at Bo'ness. I was there when 150 school kids invaded the Rose end. Embarrasing? I nearly went out and bought a burberry cap.

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WEDNESDAY  19th MAY  2004

So that's another season over. Considering there was absolutely nothing at stake, both Motherwell and hearts served up a really tasty encounter. We won 3-2 and maybe deserved it. The crowd seemed fired up and many people have said to me that it was the best atmosphere for a while. When you thing that it was a Sunday that's good going. The only disappointing aspect of the day was saying farewell to players who have to move on for financial reasons.  Sevvy (who tried his hardest to keep Motherwell in the game) will be a big loss for me. I wish him well, and also Boyak and Kirk. Neither did anything wrong in my opinion. Maybe the number of games they missed was a factor.

Off the pitch things should now start to hot up. Once the price of season tickets are known we will find out what effect the protests have had overall. Do you buy one to help keep the club afloat for one more season, or do you refrain in protest? Will it be business as usual? And here is an interesting question. Will the SPL  "fix" the last game of the season next year given that wild horses probably won't keep the fans off the pitch? See you next season

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WEDNESDAY  12th MAY  2004

Well, everybody else may be playing end of season stuff at the moment, but nobody told the Hearts and Dunfermline players. This was a great game of football, very competitive and could have gone either way. Once Craig made the appropriate substitutions we ended the game strongly and I thought we deserved the winner. Mark De Vries scored 2 great goals and he has come into a seam of form just when it was needed.

Now we have qualified for third place, Craig Levein can sit back and take a great amount of credit. Yes, his tactics are frustrating sometimes, and yes it is annoying to have eleven back at corners, but he has done what few have achieved in that he has maintained third place 2 years in succession.

The season wraps up with 2 games in the next 5 days. It would be nice to wrap things up with a win at Ibrox, but I won't hold my breath!

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WEDNESDAY  5th MAY  2004

Hearts march towards third place continued with a fine win away at Dundee United. Perhaps the 2-0 scoreline flattered us, but we will take the points anyway. The result was tempered by the news that Celtic had laid down to Dunfermline so it means that the game on Saturday will indeed be well contested. However, it's good to see that Mark De Vries has discovered his goalscoring touch and it's great to see Andy Webster progressing to the point where it is sometimes him covering for Elvis's mistakes. It's been a log season for Elvis and he is probably looking forward to the break more than most.

Off the field the decision to stay for a year has been made. There's also news of a £24 million offer for Tynecastle. It is my belief that Hearts have known about this for some time so it's not quite as sensational as it seems. We have to be vigilant and make sure that the rug doesn't get pulled from under us. Save Our hearts

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WEDNESDAY  28th APRIL  2004

Given our previous two results against Partick and Livvy, we could hardly expect to beat the SPL champion, but that's what we nearly did. In a match that didn't live up to it's "end of season" tag, there was a bit of everything, apart from the clinical finishing that Hearts are lacking just now. What would we give for a penalty box predator just now? Kirk missed out, MDV did his bit and we gained a point and are now unbeaten in our last 3 matches against the Old Squirm (quiz question - when did that last happen).

It's going to take miracle for us not to qualify for Europe since Dunfermline thrashed Motherwell. However, I think it is important to be the first team in a long time to repeat a third place finish. Let's hope the players agree.

Off the field, it looks like we have a stay of execution at Tynecastle. The protests have had an effect and if we stay, then all Hearts fans must rally round and ensure that we don't make a huge loss next season. You don't have to go to every game, just now and again.  Save Our Hearts

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WEDNESDAY  21st APRIL  2004

And so the Gorgie boys limp towards European qualification. What could have been a handsome win against Livingston turned out to be a nervy draw. There were at least 6 players performing below par, and who would have bet on Pressley selling the jerseys 2 games in a row - that must be a first. The forward pairings are not working in any combination at the moment, and the midfield is very weak in the going forward department.  McKenna is doing it for us just now, but it's a little worrying that he isn't actually a striker.

Now that Dunfermline are in the Cup Final, Motherwell become the biggest threat to our European place. I'm not naïve enough to think that it's all over, I've watched Hearts for too many years for that! We can start the good work by competing with Celtic who will no doubt rest players.

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WEDNESDAY  14th APRIL  2004

I suppose we had to lose sometime! Problem was, our bus left early, we spent a lot of money in the Maryhill Juniors Social Club then paid £16 to watch a team that was tired! I don't expect my team to win all the time but I know these players don't work a full 40 hour week and to day they were tired alienates a lot of the people who paid money to watch them.

It certainly was a bad day at the office, but there must be at least 8 players who must look at the amount of effort they put into the game. We are third and I could be wrong, but I'm not sure we even had a shot on target.

Having said that, our friendly neighbours did us a favour on Tuesday by drawing at Dunfermline and we have a great opportunity to beat Livvy to cement the third place.

In closing, can I urge you all to contribute to the Save our Hearts campaign. Despite the new Chairman, the campaign goes on. No Idle Talk is available on Saturday priced £2 with a poster insert and a portion going to the SOH campaign

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WEDNESDAY  7th APRIL  2004

It's not a dull life being a Hearts fan! No sooner have we lost a two goal lead at Parkhead then our Chairman resigns and we get a labour politician in charge. Before Saturday's game I think any sane hearts fan would have accepted a 2-2 draw at Parkhead. They have not lost there for so long no-one can remember. Imagine their (and our) surprise when Hearts went 2-0 up through McKenna and De Vries? For gods sake we even had a chance to go 3-1 up and missed it. Then the inevitable happened. 4 minutes of injury time was just too much.

Having said that, 2-2 was a good result despite the way we got it and it is undoubtedly a point gained. We now have 2 quick away games which could be the difference between sweating out the last 5 games or cruising it. We cannot be over confident, that Motherwell pitch is a disgrace.

I welcome George Foulkes to the fold. Douglas Smith isn't a big loss to me. However we still need to keep the pressure on Chris Robinson by raising funds for the Save Our Hearts campaign. The fight is not over yet

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WEDNESDAY  31st MARCH  2004

A home win is most welcome at any time, and a come from behind win is even better. Hearts got back to winning ways with a superb second half performance, and once again Paul Hartley comes up with the goods. Considering the fans were protesting, it is a credit to the players that they are able to keep focused on the business in hand.

Dunfermline dropped 2 points at Livingston and that is good for Hearts as well. Dunfermline play Killie at home this weekend and we are away to Celtic so the chances are that the Pars may close the gap.

Congratulations to Alan Maybury who had been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in a few years, he deserves it.

Off the field, the decision today at Hampden to allow Hearts play at Murrayfield brings the dreaded EGM even closer. We have to step up our efforts to raise money for the Save Our Hearts campaign. No Idle Talk will be having a race night (look for ways you can contribute), and the next issue will have a cover price of £2 with a large chunk going to the campaign and there will also be a poster insert of an ariel view of Tynie.

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WEDNESDAY  24th MARCH  2004

What a difference a week makes! A week ago we had a great weekend what with the hibs and all. Now our game is postponed on the Saturday and I have to watch the rugby on Sunday. The only debate worth having was whether the Scottish football team was even worse than the Scottish rugby team. I think that one ended in a draw!

Dunfermline won 1-0 to keep up the pressure, but at least they got humped 4-1 in their game in hand. To cap it all, they took 47 fans to Ibrox. Contenders for Europe? There were more fans at the recent Supporters Trust meeting.

This weekend we play Dundee and on paper that should result in a home win. However we will have to be alert. Most of the teams below us apart from Partick could end up in the top 6 so they all have something to play for.

Also it is good to see Craig Gordon getting a call up to the Scotland squad, and it is refreshing to know that hibs havent got all the young talent in the country at their disposal! (joke).

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WEDNESDAY  17th MARCH  2004

What a great weekend to be a jambo! Firstly, a very successful protest rally with somewhere in the region of 5000 in attendance, and secondly a great performance against Rangers. For a change it was them looking for the final whistle. It was pleasing to see Pressley and Hartley back in the line up and before the game I was hoping we would just get stuck in from the kick off. Sadly it took a major refereeing blunder to wake us up. Kenny Clark must be a bluenose. Anyway, we came back from a penalty down with a great volley from Wyness and although Rangers had chances, we swarmed all over them in the last 10 minutes and were very unlucky not to win the game.

Then there was Sunday. I watched the game. At the kick off I told everyone I couldn't care who won. That was until Livingtson scored and I automatically jumped out of my seat. I clearly did care who won! I'd like to congratulate Livingston and obviously Roddy McKenzie, Derek Lilley and Lee Makel. They may be a mickey mouse club but the way they outplayed hibs was a joy to watch.

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WEDNESDAY  10th MARCH  2004

When I saw the team selection prior to the Killie game I said to my mate I'd settle for a 1-1 draw. I'm not happy with the circumstances of the way we got the draw, because we lost a goal in the last 2 minutes. However, they say if you win your home games and draw your away games you won't be far away at the end of the season, and we did have at least 5 regulars out.

This weekend is the biggest for Hearts in a while. On the park we take on a useless Rangers side, and really it is about time we took advantage in the same way Dunfermline and Dundee United have recently. It's no use us being the best of the rest if we cannot even take a point off the forces of darkness.

Saturday is the protest march. Whatever your viewpoint, the finances of the club have been mismanaged and you should be at Saughton to give your support. 2000 will give CPR a reason to put a spin on events. If we get over 5000 then maybe someone will sit up and take notice.

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WEDNESDAY  3rd MARCH  2004

Billed as a match everyone was looking forward to as a cracker, it doesn't come as any great surprise that the game against Dunfermline turned out to be a damp squib.  I suppose, given that we had a slightly weakened side a draw away from home isn't a bad result. Dunfermline must now be thinking that 3rd place is slipping away from them.

What Hearts have to do now is not get complacent. Our next two games are very difficult, away at Kilmarnock and at home to Rangers. Everyone else seems  to be able to stuff Rangers except us at the moment.

Off  the park, we are still waiting to find out if the planned protest on 13th March will get permission from the police.  We also await an announcement from the Supporters Trust which is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd March. Hopefully they will be telling us some good news about the SMG shares.

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WEDNESDAY  25th FEBRUARY 2004

What a difference a week makes when you have two victories back to back! On Saturday Hearts put their troubles behind them to record a fine home win against a Dundee Utd side who have been on a mini revival of late. I was impressed with Hartley again. Also a special mention to kevin McKenna, an unsung hero sometimes for a brilliant header.

Onto Tuesday and a potential tricky game against a team we have never beaten in the league there. To win away from home is great, to score three goals in the process is even better. Good to see Kirk and De Vries getting on the scoresheet, and there's unsung hero Mckenna again chipping in with another vital goal.

This now leaves us with virtually a 10 point gap on fourth placed Dunfermline. A win on Saturday will make us effectively 13 points ahead and the book should be closed on the issue of third place. I think the team should be relaxed on Saturday. With no pressure on them to either win or lose, we should be able to play the same type of game as we did at Easter Road which almost brought us the victory we deserved.

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WEDNESDAY  18th FEBRUARY 2004

Sunday football returned again this week, and rather than getting served up with boring stuff we were treated to a good old fashioned blood and snotters game of football. One in which the referee needed eyes in the back of his head, and one which probably ended up fairly in a draw. You would think both sets of fans would be satisfied, but as usual accusations are flying about. Both teams may well have ended up with 9 men on the park in my book. The conduct of Brown and McManus, Maybury and Kisnorbo kept us fans interested till the end. Overall hearts played well and had more than 50% of the possession without turning that into real goalscoring opportunities

This weekend we play Dundee Utd and on paper that is an easy home win but we have not been playing very well lately and we arefinding goals hard to come by. Maybe CL could play Wyness behind the front two from the start on Saturday as a wee experiment. That seems to be a popular promation if opinions around me are anything to go by.

Off the field, things are hotting up. The protest scheduled for Saturday has been postponed until 13th March on advice of the police. Question is, will some Hearts fans still protest, and what kind of protest will it be?

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WEDNESDAY  11th FEBRUARY 2004

Well what a damp squib the cup game was. All that talk of revenge and Hartson bottled it in the end, deciding not to turn up! It didn't really matter anyway. The simple fact was that we played rubbish and Celtic didn't even have to play well. In the end we were well beaten and it didn't surprise me in the least that a couple of players lost their discipline towards the end of the match.

At least the two sending offs were not for lashing out. Neither tackle was particularly savage, but both situations merited a yellow. What was unfortunately (but understandable) was the standing ovation Maybury received for his indiscretion. What Celtic will have to accept is that what goes around comes around. Lennon is disliked for a reason. He is a thug and a person who questions every decision and in general winds up opposition fans and players deliberately.  When he is on your team you think he is great, but don't expect your opponents to show any respect.

This is a busy week for Hearts. Aberdeen at home and Hibs away are potentially tricky fixtures. A couple of wins would cement our 3rd place and take the pressure off our visit to East End park.

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WEDNESDAY  4th FEBRUARY 2004

Nothing much to report on the football front this week. It was very disappointing to have the game against Livingston called of so close to kick off. Even though Livvy is not far away, most fans had probably started to get themselves ready.  As it was, it turned out ok for us, as Dunfermline lost, so we are 2 points ahead with a game in hand.

So this morning Livingston to into administration, and by late evening they have qualified for a cup final. Is there anybody else out there thinking that it should have been us out there qualifying for the final? The fact that we are not there is a scandal, and that's something that you can't blame on the chief executive. Yes, it's a mickey mouse competition, but nevertheless, it would have been a great day out.

Instead, we have an early morning kick off against the great unwashed on Saturday. Bearing in mind that it is likely to be the last ever cup tie played at Tynecastle I expect it to be a sell out, so we can shout abuse at the green hoardes for the full 90 minutes without let-up. Without Balde, they are nothing special in defence. We have to be careful defensively, but with the fans backing and the players commitment, maybe , just maybe we can put one over on them.

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WEDNESDAY  28th JANUARY 2004

Another 3 points tucked away against Partick may have looked like a formality, but Hearts made heavy work of it. Both goals came from defensive errors, and although we were on top in every category we hardly won in style. It was great to have Wyness scoring a couple of goals. Maybe that will give him the confidence he needs. In my opinion striker is not his best position, he is better playing behind them, but I guess that is up to the manager!

I attended the big debate at the Orwell Lodge along with a couple of hundred others. All the "contenders" were there. Everybody had their say, some more vocal than others. What is clear is that the boards mind is made up, and there is no other viable deal on the table. Hearts fans have three months to rally round and find an alternative. Robinson's Murrayfield projections are based on current season ticket sales, and he says if Murrayfield is not a success, Hearts would last 3 years max.

No wonder we are protesting

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WEDNESDAY  21st JANUARY 2004

I have to admit that going into the game against Celtic I was a little apprehensive.  While I always hope we play well against Celtic, it doesn't always happen. On Saturday it finally did happen. During the second half I don't think I heard the Celtic fans singing once. On another day we could have got something out of the game, so even though we lost to a dodgy goal, we can hold our heads high and say that we did give it our best shot. All the players deserve credit. They even refused to lose the plot in the face of some severe provocation from the gruesome twosome (Hartson and Sutton) and little protection from the referee.

As some people pointed out after the game; if we played like that against every team we would be coasting in 3rd place, right behind Rangers.

On Saturday we welcome Patrick Thistle, the whipping boys of the league. A couple of weeks ago they looked like they had turned the corner when they beat Dunfermline 4-1. As mentioned above, it would be nice if we approached this game the same way as we did the Celtic game and notched a few goals to cement our 3rd place.

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WEDNESDAY  14th JANUARY 2004

I suppose Saturday was a typical Scottish Cup third round tie in as much as it's the result that counts. Berwick Rangers were never going to beat us, it was always up to Hearts to break down their defence. We didn't do it in style, but 2-0 is adequate. A great performance from Sevvy, and good to see Hammil breaking his duck.

The bad news is that in the next round we have drawn Celtic, a team we just can't beat often enough. Perhaps the possibility that this could be the last ever cup tie played at Tynecastle will spur the team and the fans on.

That brings me nicely to the agm where I sat for 4 long hours listening to the Hearts board plot the demise of the club. At the agm it was clear that the board have a 51.4% majority vote for anything they choose to do and there's little the fans can do about it. Robert McGrail's speech was nice but disappointing, and although they say they are in discussions, it's looking more and more like a done deal for Murrayfield, because ChrisRobinson had an answer for everything and stuck rigidly to his story.

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WEDNESDAY  7th JANUARY 2004

Firstly I have to say that I was extremely disappointed that the Dundee game was called off on Friday. We had 46 names for our bus and had the whole day planned. I blame Dundee. The fact that the game was rescheduled so quickly was also suspicious. This club does not deserve our money. That said, we won 2-1 in a fairly mediocre match, but the crowd was smaller than it would have been. It's great to see MDV scoring again after firing 9 blanks. That takes a little pressure from hearts, whose next league match is against sellik.

Having said all that - WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PLAYING DUNDEE ANYWAY. ARE YOU READING THIS SPL SUITS?  At this time of year, we have a tradition of playing (and usually humping) our near city neighbours.  Hibs had a home game against Partick Thistle and we had to ravel over 50 miles. That is a ridiculous situation and something we need to change by next season.

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WEDNESDAY  31st December  2003

Firstly I'd like to wish everyone a happy New Year. Let's hope 2004 brings an upturn in our fortunes. A really dismal display in our 0-0 draw with Motherwell isn't the best way to set us up for the new year.  That must go down as the worst game I've seen this season and perhaps two or three others as well. Perhaps it is the time of year, and perhaps the off the pitch happeings are getting to the players. With so many of them out of contract, we can't rule out more displays like this.

The up side seems to be that every other team is as bad as us. Even Dunfermline lost 4-1 to Partick so we gained a point on them all. On Saturday we go to Dundee who will be without Gavin Rae who is a massivy influential player form them. If we go with the right attitude, there's no reason why we cannot come away with three points.

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WEDNESDAY  24th December  2003

Merry Christmas to everyone. Saturday against Rangers was one of those occasions when we can really ask ourselves what might have been. With a makeshift side we took the game to a sloppy Rangers side and almost got a result. Sadly, in the end they predictably won 2-1, but not before Andy Kirk scored Hearts 7,000th goal, and not before Hearts had silenced the home crowd by outplaying Rangers in parts.

What if we had had the full defence and a fully fit De Vries? What if indeed. This week we are at home to Motherwell who have slipped lately. Unfortunately because of the time of year and the fact that it is a 12:30 kick off live on the TV  I suspect we may have a particularly low crowd. We will still be without Pressley.

I know that the off the pitch goings on are grabbing the attention at the moment, but the next three games are crucial. Let's give them the support they need.

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WEDNESDAY  17th December  2003

At last, Hearts get the rub of the green! A 2-1 home win against Kilmarnock was not exactly convincing, especially if your keeper is your man of the match, but you can always rely on Jim Jefferies to give credit to the opposition. He credited us with one and a half chances, both of which we scored from. While you couldn't exactly say we were all over them, we didn't do too badly. Unfortunately we are now short of players for Saturdays trip to Ibrox.

That's a pity because Rangers look like they are there for the taking, but it seems like we will not have all our firepower available.  It's going to take a big effort from players in unfamiliar positions to get result but we must at least try to get a result.

Off the park, it's been another week of speculation. Will we leave Tynecastle, and are there any alternatives? SMG have called in their debt and we cannot come up with the money. The whole thing is not being handled very well, and Leslie Deans is asking some serious questions as are the fans. Our Chief Executive had better get his flak jacket on for the forthcoming AGM on January 12th. That's going to be a must-see event!

 
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WEDNESDAY  10th December  2003

It's all going pear shaped! Actually, any other team losing 4 straight games might be in crisis, but we seem to be taking defeat in our stride. In the league, there's not too much problems. We should have picked up points at both Dunfermline ant Tannadice. We didn't. We hit the bar when it could have gone in but there you go. I'm more concerned about the display up at Dens Park. We can't afford to l,lose opportunities like that. With hindsight, if we had won that game then all we had to do was beat Livvy at Easter Road to get to the final. For Dundee to be in that position and not us show a lack of ambition at Tynecastle - simple.

On Saturday we play Kilmarnock - not the easiest of opponents, for various reasons. We are now under a little bit of pressure as our third place is seriously under threat. At home we have been good, so there isn't much to worry about on the park.

Off the park, things are very worrying. Leslie Deans hasn't helped, and the silence from CR is deafening. Interesting times ahead methinks. 

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WEDNESDAY  3rd December  2003

What a difference a week makes. Last week I was talking about a 6 game unbeaten run, now we are on a 2 game losing run! I won't dwell on the Bordeaux game. Suffice to say we were beaten by the better team, but I wasn't happy with Levein playing one up front. I'm sure with 2 up front and a more confident Valois we could have put up a better fight. There's always next year.

On Sunday it was back to league business and on paper it was an easy away win. However, European hangovers are not called that for nothing. United caught us cold and on a better day we would have won, but it wasn't to be. There's no damage done to the league position because Saturdays results favoured us, so with hindsight it was a good week to have a bad performance. Better to save that for Wednesdays trip to Dundee. We are only 90 minutes from Hampden. I hope CL tells the players that.

Saturday sees Hearts visit Dunfermline's plastic pitch for the first time. A good performance is essential to get the confidence back. We have nothing to fear. Let's hope we have a go at them, as a win will set us up for our festive calendar.

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WEDNESDAY  26th November  2003

Normal service is resumed. Hearts regained their supremacy over hibs on Sunday with a competent rather than spectacular display.  All the players played well, but I must single out Neil McFarlane and Patrick Kisnorbo. Good effort. And another clean sheet for Craig Gordon. Over the years we have beaten hibs in numerous ways. We've put 7 past them, we've put ten past them, we've even given them a 2 goal start (twice in one game). However, this is surely the first time we have beaten them without scoring a goal!

The only sad news about the game is that Elvis will not be fit for Thursdays game against Bordeaux. I've no doubt that Webster and McKenna can see us through, although Elvis will be missed for his motivational role if we should go a goal behind.

On a final note, good luck to the boys on Thursday

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WEDNESDAY  19th November  2003

No Hearts matches to report on this week so we will just have to bask in the Scotland performance in the first leg of the Euro play off against Holland. The fact that Scotland were 4/1 at home with the bookies puts the result into perspective. Forget that Holland had 16 goal attempts to our 6. We still won, and it was a great performance by the defence, Pressley included.

Despite the deflection the Scotland goal was real quality, and no matter what happens in the second leg, teams around Europe may not see us as pushovers any more.

Before we get back onto the European stage, Hearts have got to put the wee team to bed. Hibs won the last encounter despite having ten men, and we need to make amends. On paper it looks easy, but with the prospect of a bigger fish to fry the following Thursday I can't help wondering if the Hearts players may have Europe on their minds. It's a difficult one for CL. Does he rest a couple of players or does he go all out to win both games, risking injuries for Thursday. Whatever happens, these are exciting times for Hearts fans.

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WEDNESDAY  12th November  2003

Another great week in the history of HMFC.  I was in Bordeaux to witness our finest hour since 15th May 1998. Apart from the result I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the police, their relaxed attitude and the reaction of the Bordeaux fans who applauded us and drank with us. Add to that the fantastic weather and it's enough to turn a hibby green with envy!

The Connamara Bar was the base for 3000 Jambos and the place was awash with bottles, cans and empty beer boxes. What a party, and pity the poor council men who had to clear it up!

On Sunday it was back to league business. Despite the obvious tiredness and the inconvenience caused by the SPL asking us to play on Remembrance Sunday, Hearts managed to squeeze out another 1-0 win,despite the Aberdeens players attempts to cause more injury. In-form Andy Kirk was on target again, and Pressley again was the master.

This weekend the players (apart from Pressley) will get a well earned rest before taking on the substantial might of the wee team. The only pity is that it is on a Sunday.

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WEDNESDAY  5th November  2003

This has been a fairly momentous week for the club, with three victories in quick succession, and a European tie thrown in to the bargain. Add to that the intrigue caused by the SPL making us play on remembrance Sunday and you have a unique set of circumstances which could only happen to Hearts.

Last week we beat Falkirk, nothing special maybe, but it could have gone wrong and it didn't. We beat Livvy on Saturday without ever looking great. Again, that's nothing special, until you realise that Livvy and Falkirk have been bogey sides of late. We didn't play well against either , yet won both. A good weeks work if  you ask me.

I'd like to wish the team well for Thursday and to all the fans who are travelling - see you there! Let's party in the centre of the town.

On a more sobering thought. Rememberance Sunday it this weekend. The SPL have forced Hearts to play. There are thoughts of a boycott. Aberdeen are not blameless.  I'm disgusted with both of them. However, if the game gets played, let's get right behind them, whatever happens

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WEDNESDAY  29th October  2003

The expression night and day springs to mind. If I hadn't actually been at Partick I wouldn't have believed what they told me. Having taken ample refreshment in the Maryhill Juniors Social Club I made my way to the game expecting a tight game. I've been to Partick a couple of times lately, and goals are not exactly at a premium.

So what happens? We have three shots at goal and score three! Wyness dropped In favour of Andy Kirk, several other changes and it was a makeshift defence. I thought we may experience some difficulties early on, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Partick were rubbish! And did I really see CL applauding Kirks goals? It was great to see Kisnorbo have a great game, and Craig Gordon didn't really have much to do, but at least he has gained a little more experience.  Again, Simmons played a significant part in the game. Nobody can say we don't have strength in depth. 4-1 didn't flatter us. Now let's do the same to Falkirk, we are due them a turn.

No reason we can't move on no the CIS cup quarter finals and hammer Livvy on Saturday before heading off into the wild unknown.

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WEDNESDAY  22nd October  2003

Well, the team performed admirably last midweek in Bosnia and gave us a result to be proud of. A clean sheet in europe over 2 legs is good, no matter who the opposition is. However the victory seems to have come at a price. The team did not perform at Parkhead. While Celtic are good, our defence has been good also.

Actually, losing 5-0 to Celtic is the same as losing 1-0. It isn't going to cost us 3rd place. Dropping points against Dundee, Motherwell and Hibs is what really matters. Beating Rangers and Celtic is a great feeling but has little bearing on the closing league table.

How many of you reading this were more intent on browsing the internet on Saturday afternoon looking for cheap flights to Bordeaux than on what was happening at Parkhead?  I must admit I spent hours on Saturday morning. I should have had a half day of Friday to book, but there you go. For my sins, I have to go from Birmingham to Toulouse and drive back from Birmingham in the middle of the night. The things we do.

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WEDNESDAY  15th October  2003

All Hearts fans thoughts are with the team in Bosnia this week. The Celtic game at the weekend can't be very uppermost in anyones mind yet.

The 2-0 cushion we have from the first leg is not enough to be complacent. An early goal against us could set the nerves on edge. In an ideal situation, we score a quick away goal, leaving them to score 4 which I believe would be beyond them.

It's the atmosphere I worry about. In some of these war torn countries, anything goes, and if you are a policeman, then you would think twice about entering the terracing. Hopefully we will be able to silence the crowd early on and play out the rest of the game.

Main talking point at home is the pricing for the CIS cup tie against Falkirk. At FALKIRK's insistence the prices are £18 which is outrageous. I have spoken to Falkirk fans who won't pay that either. Always said they were a mickey mouse club. I hope they will be happy with the 5000 crowd. That'll teach me to bring out a fanzine on that day !

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WEDNESDAY  8th October  2003

Hearts went about their game against Dundee the hard way on Saturday. With growing optimism in the ranks we were quickly brought down to earth as several Hearts players decided to have a bad day at the office. When we went 2-0 behind I thought that was it. But Hearts are more resilient these days. After two really good goals, we could have won it late on. JLV looked lively and in the end it was the Hearts fans singing.

However, there are questions to be asked. Wyness isn't scoring at all. What is to be done about that? Maybury isn't good at left back. What's to be done about that? What is our best midfield combination? Our central defensive partnership looked shakey at times.

This Saturday we turn our attention to Scotland and their quest for Euro 2004 glory. I heard today that Elvis had a fever (sic). I don't know if Berti will pick Webster, I doubt it. So there's a chance there may be no Jambos on the pitch.

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WEDNESDAY  1st October  2003

We managed to maintain our decent statrt to the season with a draw at Firhill. I know that many of us had probably expected a resounding win following our exploits at Kilmarnock, but you can't always win all your away games, and well did hump us last season at their bit.

At least Dundee didn't gain any ground on us. It wasn't for the want of trying. They seemed to perform better against Rangers than we did, but the end result was just the same. It's just as well, because we are playing Dundee this Saturday in a game which can truly be a 6 pointer. If e win, we are 6 points ahead of us, If they win, thay go above us. Hanging about like a bad smell are Dunfermline, who, if they win at Livingston could go above both of us.

All in all, it looks like a more interesting league campaign, and yet again the hibs don't have a seat at the top table. In fact, a win for Partick on Saturday will mean hibs are only 4 points off the foot of the table.

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WEDNESDAY  24th September  2003

Well this week was like going from the sublime to the ridiculous! The writing was on the wall as early as the 3rd minute against Rangers, as penalty claim number one wasn't given. By the 90th minute I was talking like a Celtic fan with a chip on each shoulder (conspiracies and all that). It wasn't the result - we got well and truly humped. It was that we didn't get one from four good penalty shouts (I'd have taken obstruction for the second one). It was also two other wee things. Arveladze's rebound for the 3rd. Offside? Lastly, the clash of heads. If MDV had gone in on Klos, and then Wyness had tapped in the rebound would the ref have let the goal stand? Exactly. 4-0 wasn't a true reflection on the play. 3-1 maybe. For the first 30 minutes we showed that we can compete, but it goes to show that you have to get the rub of the green against the OF.

Anyway, we have got too much to look forward to to dwell on this result. Europe beckons, and now it looks like we may have to defend our 3rd place from an increasingly strong Dundee side.

Good luck to the boys in Europe, and bring on Motherwell at the weekend 

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WEDNESDAY  17th September  2003

What can I say? I've spoken to several people who watched the game and they all say it's was the most complete Hearts performance for years. Kilmarnock didn't have a look in for the whole game, and it is a mystery how the final score was only 2-0 Jambos.  Naturally, MDV won the man of the match for his goals, but all players were immense.

How many people would have said that Hearts would have had a better defensive record than Ranger or Celtic at ANY stage of this season. It seems we have indeed progressed. It's funny - I can't help thinking that if Grant Brebner had not been sent of, then we would be at the top looking down on the rest!

It would be wrong to say that Sunday is our first big test, because Killie was also. However, we will find out exactly how much we have progressed against a Rangers team who looked impressive against Stuttgart. It doesn't look like Ricksen will play, but they proved they have strength in depth. I can't help thinking that because we play next Wednesday in Europe that our players may lack that edge they will need. I hope I'm wrong, but thinking logically, if we can't win both games, I know which one is more important to me.

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WEDNESDAY  10th September  2003

Nothing to report on the footballing front for Hearts this week. That gives me time to comment on the excellent performance of Andy Webster against the Faroes. OK, it's not the best opposition, but a win is a win. I'd also like to congratulate Neil McCann, Colin Cameron and Gary Naysmith who have had to overcome a lot to get the number of caps they currently have.

Off the field, it is Craig levein who has been in the news. If you believe the press, all the managers are behind his stance, however the silence is deafening. I applaud Craig for what he has done. Mr Taylor will no doubt have to explain his outspoken actions in due course.

On Saturday we play Kilmarnock away, ironically the place where Craig Leveins current problems started. This should be a good game. The only worry is the Scotland defensive partnership may be a little tired from  their exploit in Germany. Other than that, we are playing well and shouls come away from Killie with something.

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WEDNESDAY  3rd September  2003

Following a bad day at the office Hearts had the chance to make amends against a Dunfermline side who, while usually dodgy away from home had got off to a great start to the season including a draw from Celtic.

Hearts kept Wyness up front but brought in Neil McFarlane (sadly missed at ER) in the middle. I thought in the end we eased past them 1-0. Mercifully Wyness scored his first goal (a beauty). Now can everyone get off his back please? We played well, I thought Sevvy had his best game for a while. Pressley and Webster were immense, and MDV put in a good shift without getting any reward. A word for Robbie Neilson who is not the most popular player. I thought he played well and showed a good attitude going forward, something some of the other midfielders may like to do sometime. I also liked the look of Kisnorbo, although he will need more time.

Another thing - I enjoyed the atmosphere throughout the game.  Maybe we will get a sing song in Section G after all, although some of the younger ones in the lower section need watching.

It's another week till Killie then Rangers. Until then, let's wish our two boys (Pressley and Webster) luck in the up and coming qualifyers.

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WEDNESDAY  27th August  2003

I must confess that I wondered if we would go into the Dundee United game with a derby hangover. As it turns out I needn't have worried. In brilliant sunshine we sold the fanzines then went to the game and were given a feast of good football particularly in the first half. My only disappointment was that I didn't go to the pub at half time.

Stamps opener followed by a brilliant OG, surpassed only by an individual goal of excellence from MDV meant that we had won the game by half time.  The "new look" United were rubbish and Charlie Miller was watching from the bench for all but the last 20 minutes. At that rate, United will be lucky to get out of 10th place even at this stage in the season.

Sunday sees Dunfermline visiting "fortress Tynecastle". They have had a decent start to the season and we shouldn't underestimate them. They are always up for it when they visit us, and we should be up for it as well, even if it is a Sunday. Come on Section G - give them your best shot.

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WEDNESDAY  20th August  2003

Where do I start?  I'll start with the football, because that will take up the least space. We were rubbish and didn't look like winning even with a one man advantage. For the goal, you could blame Sevvy or Tepi, but there were others on the park that must have been having bad thoughts on Sunday evening. However, it's only one defeat in many games. We would struggle to play as badly again this season. MDV didn't look at all mobile.

I'm more concerned about the behaviour of two hibs players and the apparent lack of condemnation from hibs. McManus and Murray were deliberately trying to provoke the Hearts fans at the end. Why neither was arrested at the time escapes me. I don't condone anything the Hearts fans did, but we've come away from Easter road with a defeat before and not trashed the place. In my opinion, the actions of the hibs players and the inaction of the police nearly started a riot. If some action is not taken , then this bad feeling and sense of injustice will be taken into the next derby match in November.

We have a chance to make amends on Saturday against Dundee United where our new signings will surely make a bigger impact than they did against Hibs.

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WEDNESDAY  13th August  2003

Glad to report it is a perfect start to the season. Aberdeen nowadays may not pose the biggest threat ever, but they do bring a very vocal support and anything can happen on day 1. However, Hearts were up to the task but didn't play very well. A super strike by MDV and a late clincher by Andy Kirk was enough to send a pretty decent sized Hearts crowd home happy.

They only down side is the slight possibility that Mark De Vries will not make it on Sunday against the hibs due to a slight strain. I hope he does make it because he looks in good form at the moment. We have any number of strikers just now who are itching to put one in against hibs so even if he doesn't play, we can even play McKenna up front and get a goal off them!

Wednesday evening sees the Hearts fans forum AGM in the Gorgie Suite at 7:30pm. Chris Robinson is going to be the guest speaker so I'm sure there will be a big attendance, with everyone getting the opportunity to question him about any proposed moves.

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WEDNESDAY  6th August  2003

One week to go before the season opens up in earnest and Hearts already have their first trophy tucked away. It's always nice to get one over your rivals. Even better when it is on their own patch. Trust the police to spoil it by not allowing the trophy presentation! Considering the number of injuries Hearts had, it is indeed a great result. The crowd of about 10,000 was better than I expected at the £20 ticket price. I think that was way overpriced. £12 would probably have filled the place.

As I look forward to the new campaign, not least a potential UEFA cup run I can't help feeling that although the footballing side seems to be going from strength to strength, there is something going on behind the scenes which threatens the stability of the club, and that is the debt.

This weekend we eagerly await the visit of Aberdeen.  Maybe Scott Booth will breathe life into their attack, they don't seem to have improved much on last years squad.

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WEDNESDAY  21st May  2003

Sunday was a classic game of two halves. Hearts played so well in the first half that I was almost kidded into thinking we may get something from the game. With Killie only drawing at Dunfermline on the Saturday, there was a lot of pressure taken off Hearts. Unless Killie beat Celtic by a cricket score we had already qualified for the UEFA Cup.

Unfortunately, despite a wonderful penalty save by Tepi, we capitulated in the second half. Nobody can say we didn't give it our all, and Rangers will be mighty releived to come through the game with all three points.

I thought Pressley was immense and I thought Mark De Vries had his best game for a while. Everyone else played their part. Against Rangers you have to get the rub of the green, and we didn't.

So where does that leave us? Basically, we are in Europe. I can see Rangers winning the league, and if they do, I hope they remember it was us that beat Celtic and not them. As for Kilmarnock, I can't see them sticking 5 past Celtic, even if Celtic are tired out.

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WEDNESDAY  14th May  2003

It was business as usual at Parkhead on Saturday. A dodgy decision and no luck coming our way. Having said that, it was a good performance and it was pleasing to see us coming forward when at times we have been criticised over our "attitude" to attacking at Parkhead. To lose 1-0 to a team in the UEFA Cup final and sitting at the top of the league isn't a disgrace, the performance was heartening.

what was even more heartening was the fact that Kilmarnock failed to show up at Ibrox on the Sunday. Whoever Rangers were playing looked more like candidates for relegation rather than european competition. I think Rangers had at leade 25 shots on goal and deserved to double their 4-0 advantage.

Anyway, this weekend it is the turn of Hearts to show Rangers that we are not just there to make up the numbers. Personally I don't care who wins the league. To see the look of disappointment on the Rangers players and fans faces would be a highlight of the season, even if we were to draw the game.

Killie have a good chance of winning their game at Dunfermline, so we are not past the winning post yet.

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WEDNESDAY  7th May  2003

Controversy was the name of the game as Hearts lost narrowly to Kilmarnock in a game which could have gone either way.  We are still favourites to win the European race because Killie will have to beat Dunfermline and either Rangers or Celtic to overtake us.  It was a shame to lose Andy Webster and Austin McCann because they are both doing really well at the moment, and it will give team selection problems for the game against Celtic. As for the penalty, well you win some and lose some.

The players have to go to Parkhead and relax. We won't be expected to win, so why don't we just go there and play the way we have been doing.

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WEDNESDAY  30th April  2003

Another good performance on Saturday against Dunfermline secured the 3 points necessary to keep the pressure firmly on Killie. It was a different kind of performance than in the previous week against Celtic. It only took one goal and up stepped mr reliable to stick away the penalty.  I must admit after the game I thought we were home and dry. However, Killie surprised me on Sunday by winning at Dundee.

It shouldn't really matter. We are good enough to get a result down at Killie. Despite losing MDV for perhaps the rest of the season, our players must be really confident just now. The only thing that could be a factor is the fitness of those in the Scotland squad. On that subject, congratulations to Andy Webster who has come a long way in a short time.

Congratulations are also due to Craig Levein. His contract extension until 2006 is fully justified. When you think what our expectations were in July the transformation has been immense. And to cap it all, we've done the wee team in 3 times.

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WEDNESDAY  23rd April  2003

What an absolutely fantastic weekend!  Hearts at last turned up for an old firm game to give them a game, and we even gave them a goal start. The fact that it has scuppered their league title aspirations is a bonus and it was great to see their fans at the end with the look of disbelief on their faces.

I am delighted for Craig Levein who really deserves the success. I'm also delighted for Austin McCann. He is not the most fashionable or popular player, but I bet he didn't have to buy any of his own drinks on Saturday night. In fact all the players were brilliant. On another day with a bit more luck in front of goal we could have inflicted a heavy defeat on Celtic.

However, 2-1 will do and I'll gladly take the seven point gap between us and Kilmarnock. It takes the pressure off a little because it means Killie have to win at least 3 of their 5 games, and we have to lose all of ours. On Saturday we go to Dunfermline who are off the boil. If we play anything like we did last Saturday we should get a result.

On a final note, why is it £20 for us on Saturday? We only paid £18 for the Celtic game. I think Dunfermline are having a laugh.

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WEDNESDAY  16th April  2003

Well I suppose is was a good weekend. Kilmarnock lost and we gained a point on them by drawing at Partick Thistle. If the Sunday Mail match report was anything to go by, both sets of players should have come out and apologised to both sets of fans, but we know that won't happen.

In the end, we did'nt play well and we still got a point. Elvis scored and we now find ourselves four points ahead of Kilmarnock with a game in hand. Granted, the game in hand is not a game where we have gained many points of  late, but surely we are due these gypsies a good game for a change?

But we have nothing to lose. Let's get right intae them. They have a very important game coming up and if you think about it, they would prefer to get to the UEFA cup final than win the league. Therefore there will be players rested. All we have to do is not give their replacements any respect.

When the split comes along, things look difficult. It's shaping up to be three away games followed by 2 home games. We have our work cut out.

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WEDNESDAY  9th April  2003

Well, my worst fears nearly came true. For the first half hour of the game against Dundee United, we looked pretty bad.  Our defensive formation of Neilson, McKenna, Webster and McCann looked too inexperienced and we struggled a bit.

But Hearts are made of sterner stuff these days. Andy Webster has come of age, and I'd say Austin mcCann had perhaps his best game for Hearts. Webbo to the equaliser and in a purple patch Andy Kirk got the winner.

In all, Tepi only had one save to make, but we had to work hard for the victory, eveh though Killie were trouncing hibs 6-2. The race for third place is going right to the wire.

On Saturday we play Partick and Killie play Celtic. On paper we should put the third place beyond Killie but Partick are difficult to beat at home. We shouldn't lose any ground and we do have the game in habd against Celtic, but if you can get to Partick, a victory could go a long way to ensuring a European trip.

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WEDNESDAY  2nd April  2003

It's all systems go at the weekend after our long spell of inactivity. I can only wonder how prepared the players are for this game. It's just as well it's Dundee United and not someone good! While some fans may think we have done enough to qualify for Europe already, there is work to be done still and a win here and at Partick  next week will take some of the pressure off the final fixtures.

Now that Celtic are out of the cup we cannot rely on 4th place being good enough. Rangers should go onto win it, but you never know. Kilmarnock play hibs this weekend and Celtic next weekend, and when can you honestly say that you have cheered on a team playing in green two weeks in succession?

Talking about teams in green, it's good to see that the outstanding match against Celtic is going to be on Saturday 19th April. A sensible decision by those in charge (for a change).

On the international front it was good to see Elvis back in winning form, despite his little gift to the Icelanders. I hope Berti sticks by him. It looks as if by some miracle that we can qualify from this section.

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WEDNESDAY  19th March  2003

With no senior action in prospect, the No Idle Talk team took the opportunity to follow the relentless march of the Rosey Posey into the Junior Cup semi final with a 6-1 drubbing of Beith. On Sunday things were tense, but the draw that everyone wanted came out. Linlithgow vs Bo'ness on 4th April, venue tbd. Only bad thing about that is having a hangover for the Dundee Utd game the following day.

I watched the Killie vs Dunfermline match on the Sunday, hoping for a dunfermline win and I think they were a little unlucky. They deservedly took the lead but I thought they sat back a little. A draw was a decent enough result for us because I did expect a home win.

It's very frustrating not having any games to play.  Our outstanding game against Celtic hasn't been given a date and it may now be played after the split. Whatever happens I have some concerns that when we do play Dundee Utd on 5th April we will not have played a competitive game of football for a month. I hope the coaching staff will have taken this on board after our last performance in the first game after our last break

On a more serious note, our thoughts at this time are with those who are in the Middle East and their families

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WEDNESDAY  12th March  2003

I had travelled to Livingston with high hopes of breaking our league "duck" there. While we possibly scored against the run of play I felt that on the first half display we would go on to take all three points. By the end of the game I was happy with the one point.

Actually I was more concerned that Kilmarnock had staged a comeback because I had already written them off at 2-0 down. Still, we lost no ground to our nearest rivals.

This weekend Killie play Dunfermline at home and we now have no game. Dunfermline seem to have lost their way a little and an away win seems unlike