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 unlikely, we'll just have to hope. We were supposed to play Celtic this weekend but now we don't have a certain fixture until 5th April. It's a pity, because we could have caught them inbetween their Liverpool games, as I'm sure they would have rested players (but last time we played against their understrength team we lost 4-0 anyway)

The most intriguing part of the league is the relegation tussle which is involving 5 teams. My opinion is let Falkirk in. It's important that a team goes down in any league, or else it stagnates - plus I only live 7 miles from Falkirk!

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WEDNESDAY  5th March  2003

At this stage in the season a win is a win, and that's what Hearts got against a Motherwell team who belied their lowly league position. Having humped us 6-1 the last time they played us, it was no surprise that they were confident. However, even without MDV up front we seem to be scoring goals almost at will.

Having dealt with our closest rivals Dunfermline and Kilmarnock it was very important to keep the momentum going. Hearts could have been complacent about the opposition, but thankfully our makeshift strikeforce game good again. And it was good to see much-maligned Stevie Simmons getting on the scoresheet.

Next week we go to Livingston and a result there would cement our position in the top 4. In fact if we beat Livvy and Dundee United win, then Livvy could be bottom of the league. Not that there's any chance of a team being relegated this season. It's just that after last season I still feel we owe then a gubbing.

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WEDNESDAY  26th February  2003

Hearts fans were given some relief, having no game on Saturday. While the egg chasers piled on the misery for Scotland and Linlithgow Rose were quietly continuing their dominance, most fans would have had time to take stock.

Purists among you will be quick to point out that we could be staring at a cup semi final with only Dundee to beat at home. What I say is get over it. It's a small blip on what has been a good season.

Look on the bright side. Once hibs get knocked out of this years competition we can have great fun with the front cover of  any 101 dalmations video. We can have so much fun with Room 101 as well. I can almost see the next front cover unfolding in front of my eyes.

As if that wasn't good enough, Dundee are pressing them hard for that last top six place.  We may not even get the chance to humiliate them again.

Coming up we have two games which are winnable. We have to play Celtic then two more winnable games. Interesting to note that Killies run in is similar and they have Celtic to play. Watch out for Dunfermline who don't play either of the OF in their last 5, but they do play Killie on the day we place Celtic

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WEDNESDAY  19th February  2003

Another nearly display from Hearts at Ibrox. After that defeat, and given that we have a free week, its probably time to sit down and think whether the cup is half full or half empty. Winning the league is a non starter, so Heart fans have four things to look forward to. Firstly, a good run in the league cup (winning it is unliklely), secondly a good run in the Scottish (again winning it is unlikely), thirdly a league position which secures a European position and fourthly, domination over the leithers.

When you think how you felt around the middle of July about our prospects and then you look at what we've achieved I'd say the cup was at LEAST half full. If Dundee were any good then we wouldn't even have to play hibs again this season.

Yes, it's disapointing to lose in any cup competition, but in my opinion it's better to have been in that semi final than not. The Falkirk game was clearly a blip and those players who make it to next Christmas can look forward to a holiday much nearer Gullane (and it's their own fault).  Craigie's doing alright at the moment, although a win against either of the Old Firm is massively overdue.

Falkirk? I hope they win the league by a massive margin. Their fans deserve that level of disappointment

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WEDNESDAY  12th February  2003

I'm not surprised that the youngsters in section N do the bouncy bouncy all the time. Hearts keep impressively bouncing back from the cup dissapointments to record impressive victories.

On paper Saturdays match against Kilmarnock was a difficult one. We had a hard midweek match, some players had a virus, and Killie were in form. It all pointed to a close match. I suppose it was for 50 minutes. Once we got the goal, it was one way traffic. I don't think there is one player who didn't play well. The foreigners did their bit and wasn't Phil Stamp just immense? Gary Wales works so hard and Andy Webster improves with every game.

He gets more impressive each game and if he has more to offer than he is doing already then we have a lot to look forward to. We also seem to score goals no matter which combination we have up front.

We have now opened up enough of a gap on the pack that I think we can afford to be more adventurous against Rangers on Saturday. Perhaps if we shock them early on  we can get a long overdue result against them. On paper an away win isn't on the cards so why not throw caution to the wind. Aberdeen had a go at them and so nearly pulled it off.

We'll wait and see.   Good luck to all the internationalists on duty hope you all stay injury free

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WEDNESDAY  5th February  2003

Ach, it was a mickey mouse cup anyway!

The players kept us interested throughout the match and some fans blamed the referee for the result. Frankly we're not good enough to beat the weegies at the moment. I was happy in as much as we didn't bottle it, and the fans were superb (those who decided to go that is). Craig Levein can be pleased about the way Hearts played. We didn't create enough chances and I thought Valois, Wales and De Vries didn't do themselves justice. We defended soundly and we matched them in commitment for once. We silenced the Rangers crowd (not difficult I know)

A word for the weegie police. Thanks a million for pulling out the stops and enabling us from the east to get through the Glasgow traffic and into the match on time - not. Scum.

Anyway, it's over now. The most important thing now is for us to qualify for Europe. We can take a mighty step towards that goal by beating Kilmarnock this weekend. Following super results against Aberdeen and Dunfermline we can virtually sow up 3rd place on Saturday.

Killie are on the up just now. Earlier in the season we had written them off and JJ was getting pelters. Now they are coming up fast on the rails. A 4-0 away win at Livvy is not to be sniffed at and we will need to be at our best to take all 3 points.

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WEDNESDAY  29th January  2003

Well, I didn't predict a score but last week I did say I wondered if being in Portugal was a good thing, and we needed the correct attitude. I was one of the 2700 who made the trip to Falkirk and I make no apology for admitting I didn't stay to the end. Apart from the attitude of the majority of the team, our tactics seemed suspect, and it almost seemed as if Hearts hadn't watched Falkirk play the week before when Samuel got another hat trick. I'd have had someone tickle his shins well before he scored his first.

I felt really sorry for Craig Gordon. What a baptism of fire that was! Still, it's not the end of the world. We are unlikely to win the competition and I suppose we are in the semi final of the other one.

Far more important this season is to hold onto 3rd place and qualify for Europe. Hearts took a mighty step towards that goal on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Pittodrie in atrocious conditions. It doesn't matter when the goal is scored, we won and suddenly there is daylight between us and 4th place.

With 2 home games to come against rivals for that 3rd spot we have the opportunity to consolidate against Dunfermline and Kilmarnock, neither of which will be easy.

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WEDNESDAY  22nd January  2003

Three days to go until normal service is resumed. Will the three week layoff have done the trick? While Falkirk are getting a 4-0 victory at Arbroath, Hearts players are sunning themselves in Portugal while losing 3-0 in a bounce game against mediocre Dutch opposition.

I know that the fans will be up for this one, but how will the players react to the delightful surrounds of Brockvile after experiencing the Algarve? While nearly all of the outfielders will be fit, we will be missing the services of Roddy McKenzie and so Craig Gordon will get a chance to impress.

The Scottish Cup is special for Hearts fans, and it seems a while since we had a wee run in it. Potentially this is a banana skin we should be able to overcome with the correct attitude. Their players will act up and their fans will moan at every decision we get and even if we win they will complain about something. That is the Falkirk way.

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WEDNESDAY  15th January  2003

Nothing interesting to report on the Hearts front this week. The players will be enjoying a short break in Portugal and good luck to them, they deserve it. They have worked had to get where they are, and if they can just step up one gear on their return after the break then who knows what awaits us.

While the players sun themselves, the fans are left twiddling their thumbs. I didn't even get the chance to watch Linlithgow Rose in the cup due to the weather. Instead I had to watch English Premiership football, and to be honest, Southampton.

Let's face it, how many of you reading this have suddenly started watching Southampton's results. Never mind the Englis media touting Beattie for an England call up . We all know the real reason the their success. Anti Niemii. Long may it continue.

Meanwhile the debate about media rights continues among the SPL. Did you know that the live  broadcasts made  by Radio Scotland and Radio Forth are up for renewal this month? Because of the current debate with the Old Firm, it is possible that when the SPL resumes, these channels may not even have the rights to broadcast live? Scary.

NO IDLE TALK issue 59 will be out on 26th January

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WEDNESDAY  8th January  2003

Happy New Year to everyone out there. After a 2 week layoff it's good to be back, and it's even better to share my enjoyment of the recent derby draw with you. It's the first time since 1960 that Hearts have produced as big a draw as 4-4 in a competitive match and what a match it was.

I have heard some fans say that it was better than the 5-1 result. I'm not sure about that myself but walking back to the bus after the game I almost felt as if Hearts had won the game. The look of bewilderment on the hibs fans faces made my New Year complete, and allows me to gloss over one or two mistakes made by Hearts players.

I had to laugh at the sour grapes coming out of fester road. BW is going on about the time allowed and some refereeing decisions. McManus complains about Maybury trying to get him sent off while admitting he should have walked. 

Andy why were there no hibs players booked after the goal celebrations? And why was a hibs player allowed to incite the Hearts fans with 1973 cut out of his hair?

Doesn't matter. They are now officially the Leith bottlers. We go into the break with the confidence of looking at the other teams from the top. We also look forward to renewing our acquaintances with those beloved and knowledgable people - the Falkirk fans.

New issue out on 25th January

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WEDNESDAY  18th December  2002

Considering that Partick Thistle have just thrashed Dunfermline I think the close 1-0 victory for Hearts was a very good result. With 3 difficult away games on the trot and an Edinburgh derby, we need all the points we can get.

I was particularly pleased for Alan Maybury who has had an up and down season. I hadn't realised he had never scored a goal at senior level before. What a peach to open your account with. Hopefully he can build on this and win over the Hearts fans. Who knows, we may even get a chant of "Irish Alan" from section N !

It was also good to see Boyak and Mahe back in the side. Once Elvis is fit  we can get Boyak and Sevvy back into the midfield and we can perhaps recapture some of the early season form.

First of the three away ties is Dundee Utd and there's no real reason why we cannot come away from there with at least a point if not a win. The fans will undoubtedly be in a festive mood and outsing the cardboard cutouts in the home stands.

Merry Christmas from all at No Idle Talk

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WEDNESDAY  11th December  2002

If someone had told you in July that going into Christmas we'd be fourth in the league with 2 derby victories behind us and semi final ahead of us, you'd have thought they were on drugs.

Make no mistake, our squad is very fragile and there is a thin line in this league between success and failure. We've done enough so far to call it a success despite a severe thrashing at Motherwell which may have been embarrasing but is did give us a wake up call. Hearts deserve great credit for coming back and beating Livingston for the first time in 5 attempts (it still sticks in my throat to have to admit that statistic).

Our injuries this season have been horrendous and it is a credit to the players, physio and management team that we are in the position we are. With a full squad in the new year we have something to look forward but until then we will have to accept that there may well be youngsters in the team who are being given their big change a little early. Get behind them.

On Saturday we play an in-form Partick side and if I was to pick a game for the lowest home crowd of the season it would be against this opposition at this time of year. Come on, Hearts fans, prove me wrong

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WEDNESDAY  4th December  2002

With hibs drawing at Dunfermline, it ensured that despite what happened against Rangers, we wouldn'tlose much ground in the race for third place. With Elvis injured I wasn't too optimistic, but at least we were at home and would try to attack them.

Wrong!

CL's team selection was a little negative. I felt he was looking to steal a point rather than go for a win. The first 50 minutes were pretty good from our point. I felt we matched Rangers physically, refusing to be intimidated by them (something that was missing earlier in the season against Sellik). I never expect to come away from any old firm match singing the praises of the referee, I'm too long in the tooth for that. This game was no exception!

Each individual decision can be explained, and in some respects they are all decisions that could easily have gone the other way. Barry's tackle from the back on MDV, McCann's elbow, McCanns foul prior to the goal, Ricksen (and others celebrating), Mayburys sending off. My point is that with all that controversy, you would think that out of the five, at least one might have gone in our favour. No Chance

We can't even get a break with the polis. We've got flags in the Rangers end which are blatant, yet youngsters with saltires are ejected from the Hearts end. The corporate in the Gorgie is full of dancing bears.

OFTGF  

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WEDNESDAY  27th November  2002

The rollercoaster ride goes on and on. With Dunfermline sitting five points ahead of us it was important that we got back on track against Killie which is not traditionally a happy hunting ground for us. However, since the arrival of JJ Killie are not the force they were and MDV took advantage of this to bring the 3 points back to Tynie. This, coupled with the FOD win over Dunfermline brings us right back into the race for third place.

Craig Levein is flying by the seat of his pants at the moment with his team selections. As injuries to the experienced players grow, yet another youngster makes his debut (wilfred Oueifio). On Saturday Craigie got lucky again and we recorded a rare away victory. It was pleasing to see Mark De Vries score after a barren spell. Some Hearts fans had questioned his ability and while the squad is so fragile we don't need that kind of talk.

Looking forward to Sunday, we have the prospect of facing the FOD without Stephen Pressley, which to seems like the Scots facing the English without William Wallace. However, if there was ever a time for Andy Webster and Kevin McKenna to "come of age" this is it.

We need the points, with hibs close on our tails. Don't stay in the pub, get along and support the team

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WEDNESDAY  20th November  2002

Sunday must have been a huge disappointment to all Hearts fans, especially as we matched Dunfermline for an hour, going ahead to a splendid goal from Sevvy.

After that it all went a little pear-shaped. Their equaliser took a wicked deflection, but somebody should have closed them down. Their winner was a wonder strike, but if McMullen had been doing his job the shot would not have com in the first place. Did we lie back thinking the hard work was done? I don't know.

What I do know is that the injuries are starting to kick in, and the novelty of our two foreign saviours is starting to wear off. At one point in the game I felt as if we were playing with 9 men as Stamp and McKenna struggled to even move.

So is the cup half full or half empty?

Our league position is acceptable (even though the teams who are ahead are not acceptable). We are in the semi finals of the mickey mouse cup, and things can only improve.

Half full, I'd say

But only if we stick by them in numbers. Let's not start getting on their backs. They need our support as clearly it is the youngsters who are going to see us through the xmas period.

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WEDNESDAY  13th November  2002

It's a happy editor that reports to you now. |Following a dire result at home to Aberdeen we have turned them over in their own back yard to qualify for the Semi Final of the League Cup. It will only be our third appearance at this stage since 1990. We've won 1 (Dundee) and lost one (St Johnstone). It does set us up nicely into the new year, since the Semis will probably be played in 2003.

It also shows (like the hibs game), that we are able to perform and win games without our (allegedly) best players. JLV wasn't playing and we won.

Going back to Saturday for a moment, it was hardly fortress Tynecastle, was it? I have my worries as to why Gary Wales is not above Graeme Weir in the pecking order, and despite Kevin McKenna's goalscoring exploits, I don't see him as a first choice striker, rather as a last 20 minutes when the chips are down kinda guy.

On Sunday we visit Dunfermline and this has turned into a no lose game. I'm not saying we must win, but we must avoid them getting too far ahead of us. We have the player to do it, we must show the same commitment as they do for the whole 90 minutes.

Zinescene@blueyonder.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY  6th November  2002

Hearts unleashed their fireworks 2 days early to the delight of us all. Before the game we were all a wee bit apprehensive. Once the game kicked off, Hearts had the better of the chances in the first half. I don't recall McKenzie having to make a save of any note. At half time I wasn't unduly worried.

As time marched on I was concerned but since Elvis was on the park and there was time to go, I wasn't worried. To equalise was brilliant. To score the winner 3 minutes into added time is just sublime.

There's been some controversy over the sending off, but we should just laugh it off. That is, until the next time Larsson scores at someone elses ground. Let's see what the ref does then. Pens at the ready.

Now we are back in the familiar position of 3rd and we should be looking to keep that against a shell shocked Aberdeen side who let 7 in against Celtic.

Sunday was a watershed. We haver unearthed a decent midfield player, McKenzie has established himself and we have proved that we can function without MDV. Oh, and we achieved the win with Kevin Twaddle in the team. Remember that.

Now, let's buy the tickets and get along to Tynie. They deserve our support right now.   

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WEDNESDAY  30th October  2002

Sorry for the absence. How does the song go? "the wheels on the bus go round and round". That would be fine if there were wheels on the bus. Unfortunately the wheels have come off our bus just in time for our visit to fester road on Sunday.

It was always going to get difficult for us if we had injuries. Have we flattered to deceive over the first quarter? We've had half as many defeats ad hibs but they have turned every one of their games into either a defeat or a win. We have drawn nearly half of our games having lost the first goal.

Our defense is still fairly stingy (sellik game excepted), so the problem must be in midfield or up front and we don't have to look too far for the reasons. MDV has either been found out or he is off form. In the midfield we are juggling with a different formation every game and we still lack something in there. In short we have players who are not playing for the jersey, and we have a couple who are not up to the job.

I nearly said we were missing Boyak. I watch the body language of JLV sometimes and in the last 2 games I have wondered if he has given up on some of the players he is playing with. None of them are on his wavelength.

We are all going to have to be up for it on Sunday - another backs to the wall display like the end of last season will do nicely.

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WEDNESDAY  9th October  2002

Another minor milestone was achieved on Sunday and that is that Hearts won their first ever league point from Livingston. Nothing major, but it is pleasing to see hearts go through the first set of fixtures unbeaten against anyone outside the old firm.

Granted, in some of our away games we should probably have won, but when I think back to the last week in July, when we had signed nobody, I was struggling to see anything other than relegation in my crystal ball.

Thankfully things have turned out better than expected. On Sunday Phil Stamp did what he has been threatening to do since he came and all of a sudden we have a midfield that seems cabable of supporting the forwards not just with balls but with goals as well.

This weekend there is no football (sic). Seriously, Scotland are playing and although I'm glad Sevvy and Elvis are included I can't help worrying about whether they are on a hiding to nothing. I wish them both well if they play. If they don't play then we Hearts fans can be really smug after the weekend and tell everyone that Scotland would have won if Elvis and Sevvy had been playing!

New issue out on 20th October. Sellers wanted

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WEDNESDAY  2nd October  2002

Hearts maintained their unbeaten record against teams outside the Old Firm with a mixed performance against Partick Thistle. We showed some decent character (again) by coming from behind, in fact both our goals were pretty good. I bet you can't remember the last time Hearts scored with back to back direct free kicks in consecutive games. Neither can I. Valois and Severin took their goals well and I was pretty well entertained by the vocal Hearts support (aided by a session in the Maryhill Social Club).

It's easy to forget that before a ball was kicked we gave very little for our chances against most teams so it shows how far we have progressed

Did everyone see Graham Weir's first contribution of the second half? He threw up in the centre circle. Wouldn't like to slip in that puddle! One thing puzzled us and that was why was Weir preferred to Gary Wales?

This weekend it's Livvy. Beat them and we have gone through the OFGTF league programme unbeaten, and you can't say better than that.

Contributions now required for issue 58. Deadline 9th October

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WEDNESDAY  25th September  2002

After the magnificent performance against Motherwell, I suppose it was too much to ask for Hearts to repeat the performance. The difference in the scoreline was the same, but the game was reminiscent of so many Hearts v Dundee United tussles in the past. Hearts did what they had to do and never got out of third gear.

MDV actually had a poor game and was bailed out by JLV for the first goal. Still, we scored two and they got none. We're sitting pretty near the top of the league and we cannot complain.

In fact, a Rangers fan of my acquaintance actually said to me today at work "what's gone wrong at Tynecastle this season, you actually looked like quite a good side at Ibrox". I think we do have the players to worry them, if only we always had the confidence that goes with the ability.

Saturday brings another winnable fixture. Partick are not leaking too many goals so I see this as a tight game with few goals. One goal could easily win it. Before then we have an awkward tie at Stirling to negotiate. On paper it's a scoosh, but our most recent record in the cup is nothing to write home about.

Looking for contributions for issue 58

Noidletalk@blueyonder.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY  18h September  2002

Another great performance at the weekend saw us safely regain 3rd place, and it was pleasing to see Hearts banging in 4 goals. It was also good to see Steven Boyak break his duck. I believe it was about his 43rd appearance. He has played well so far this season and I hope he continues to answer his critics in the best way possible. Andy Kirk is back on the goal trail, so there's very little for us to be despondent about at the moment.

In the same vein, if I can't have Celtic and Rangers hogging the bottom two spots, surely the next best thing is to have hibs and Livingston occupying those two slots (closely followed by Aberdeen).

If there is one criticism of anything this season it is that the crowds have been a little poor. I know the Motherwell game was on a Sunday and it was live on the council telly, but we have been playing really well (Ibrox included) and I think that the team deserve our support. Supporting football is an expensive habit, but we fans need to maximise the use of the membership scheme and try to get more fans into the ground.

I wish Hearts themselves would pick up on this issue as well. At times the crowd in the Roseburn Stand is embarrasing. We need a scheme to get that full every week.

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WEDNESDAY  11th September  2002

No domestic games of any note to report this week as our attentions turned to Scotland. I don't know about the rest of you Hearts fans but while the display was dire I was feeling a little smug that there were no Hearts players involved. Watching a Scotland team, half of whom you barely recognise, the other half who are not even playing regular football is a grim prospect. How must Elvis have felt watching that display in the house?

Some of the papers are now saying that Davie Weir is finished internationally, so let's hope Elvis gets his long overdue chance. Same goes for Mickey Cameron.

Back to Hearts. Ibrox is a daunting place to visit, but Motherwell showed Celtic that it is possible to get something out of the game if you put a lot into it, and Motherwell thoroughly deserved their victory. If only we could follow their lead. Ironically we face Motherwell on Sunday in a live match. It's the first of two home games we should win to keep the momentum going. It's been good so far and there's no reason to believe that we cannot build on this good start.

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WEDNESDAY  4th September  2002

Two points dropped last Saturday but as we retained our unbeaten start to the season and scored a wonderful goal into the bargain, it wasn't too bad a day. On another day we could have won 5-1 but it wasn't to be.

It was a pretty good debut for Phil Stamp. I didn't know what to expect but I saw enough to be fairly impressed. Killie tried everything, illegal or otherwise to keep our forwards at bay, and the only surprise was that they didn't have more assassins sent off or more time wasters booked. Having said that, they got a point

No game this weekend, but it's Ibronx on Wednesday. It's unfortunate that Rangers seem to have found their scoring touch in time for our visit and I just hope that we play an adequate part in the game. Just maybe, if we try to score first, the game would be different? The players must be as confident as they have been for a while.

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WEDNESDAY  28th August  2002

It was definitely a case of  sadness tinged with delight on Saturday. With the news that Niemii was definitely leaving for a derisory fee (20% of which was headed west) it was understandable that most Jambos were not in party mood before the game. The transfer window is now so small that he is unlikely to be replaced. Fortunately, Roddy McKenzie has plenty SPL experience but we will have to wait and see if he is a man for the big occasion.

We are more likely to have a new midfielder in place for Saturday, although there must be a little bit of pressure on Craig Levein because he cannot afford any mistakes. 

In the first half we looked poor against Dunfermline, however in the second half we played some pretty good football. I was impressed with McMillan at left back  (although he is, apparently a winger). Again, Vallois was a class act, and De Vries scored yet again.

What I did notice during the match was more unrest in the enclosure area with at least 5 Hearts fans being led out by police.  I think we should ask more questions of Hearts here. We can't have police wading in all the time, we'll be a laughing stock.

Saturday brings the return of Jefferies, Locke, Fulton and McSwegan to Tynecastle. Expect a decent crowd and a pretty good atmosphere.

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WEDNESDAY  21st August  2002

So the maroon machine keeps rolling on! I doubt if any Jambo reading this would have thought we'd be undefeated after three games with seven goals scored, and with the top goalscorer in the SPL to boot. So what if we have rode our luck. From where I'm sitting we haven't had our fair share of that lately.

To get any result at Aberdeen is an achievement. They have progressed in recent years but clearly don't have the firepower. I had to laugh when I read the reaction of some Aberdeen supporters to the fact that Hearts seemed very physical. I'm not kidding when I say that must be a first! I've been moaning at our lot for years to get stuck in. Every other team has kicked us off the park!

Next up it's Dunfermline who have made an impressive start to their league campaign. Most of their best results have been at home, but we must approach the game in the right way. It's not a gimme and I would urge the fans to be as vocal as they were at the hibs game.

The team need the atmosphere to be good.

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WEDNESDAY  14th August  2002

It's a very happy fanzine editor that is writing this to you today. For every Hearts fan who was there I'm sure you had a great time. Tempting to have a day off on Monday, but tempted to go in anyway to seek out the hibs fans? It was a great performance. Never mind those who say the goals were offside and the referee was biased - we rogered them good and proper.

Make no mistake, the hibs fans thought they were still on the up despite losing perhaps the only teo decent players they had. I wouldn't be in Bobby Williamson's shoes for anything!

One player who I felt a little sorry for on Sunday was Any Kirk. He played a good game, scored against the hibs, yet in all SEVEN newspapers I bought his picture could hardly be seen because is was totally eclipsed by Mark De Vries. It also says a lot that the man of the match was awarded to Vallois. Other players were brilliant, and it means that normal service has been resumed in the city ( for the time being anyway).

I won't be getting carried away, but it is something to build upon. Our next three games are winnable, starting at Pittodrie where we won last season against the odds. If we get some momentum going then, who knows, it may not be the season some doom merchants were predicting.

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WEDNESDAY  7th August  2002

So the SPL has begun again in earnest. Dundee away used to be a daunting prospect, but even with the current shambles that seems to be the Hearts first team squad at the moment, I didn't feel as though the team were going to lose. In the end maybe the neutrals thought we should have. If Juan Sara didn't have the finishing skills of Pat McShane we would have.

I'd have taken 1-1 before the game, and even though we scored first I'm not unhappy (particularly since our friends from Leith lost to a 7th minute injury time goal. Not everybody is match fit, and the midfield is makeshift (which is being kind) so it was a good job done.

Sunday brings the first derby of the season. It's quite early on and there's no real form for either side. Hibs seem more settled and they won more pre season games, but we are at home and we are back in the ascendency in this fixture. They have lost 2 pretty good players, and apart from Gary O'Connor they don't have anybody we should be worries about.

Added to that Bobby Williamson's record in derby matches (his Killie couldn't beat Ayr and his hibs couldn't beat us) and come Sunday things may not be as bleak as some were preditcing.

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WEDNESDAY  31st July 2002

I went to Falkirk on Saturday to see have my first look at the preparations for the coming season. What a shambles! Already without 3 key players, we lost Kevin McKenna and to cap it all, there were players on the park who nobody had a clue who they were. It transpires the number 8 was a Belgian trialist and the number 11 was French player Jean Louis Valois. In the first half it looked like none of the players had met before. Luckily, the skill of Valois and the good finishing of Andy Kirk meant that the whole afternoon wasn't wasted.

As we look forward to the league opener against Dundee we are no closer to signing anyone and you could perm any 11 from 18, including some who have never played a competitive game for Hearts before. Our first few fixtures looked easy when they first came out, but now any fixture looks difficult.

To cap it all, I now hear that Hearty Harry has been put out to grass, being replaced by a duo called&ldots;.wait for it&ldots;.Josh and Jemma Jambo. We are told that they will be with us by the hibs game. Well that makes everything worthwhile, doesn't it

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WEDNESDAY  24th July 2002

Just over a week to go before game one against Dundee, and I doubt whether Craig Levein knows more than five of the names that will appear in that game. It's very frustrating to watch all this from the outside.

On the one hand we have our two main signings injured, then we have two trialists who Craig cannot decide about, and now we have a further two trialists who will play in a game we cannot watch.

The majority of the fans will then have one opportunity to watch the whole Hearts team perform before they have to tackle their first competitive match and that is at Brockville.

I've nothing against Falkirk&ldots;. who am I trying to kid? Their fans whinge, don't appreciate decent football, and they seem to hold a grudge against Hearts which goes back to the 1980's and John Colquhoun. On top of that we are being charged £10 to get in. I think this is too much for a friendly. I appreciate that Falkirk are trying to capitalise on the decent away support, but the price Hearts are charging or category C games is only £13 (Brockville is surely a "D"). Goven it is a friendly, £5-£8 would have been appropriate.

Contributions required for issue 57.  noidletalk@blueyonder.co.uk 

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WEDNESDAY  17th July 2002

Were back. We had the option to produce during the summer, but since Scotland were not involved  in the WC and there was hee haw doing on the transfer front we have charged our batteries and are set for what we see as another roller coaster season.

In typical Hearts fashion, when I returned from my summer holidays I was greeted with the news that both our summer signings (Twaddle and De Vries) will be out for at least the first month of the season, so it seems that we are to start our season with a much depleted squad. Added to that the fact that Elvis is only playing his first match this week since March and we are looking a little fragile early on.

But we mustn't let trivialities like that get in our way, must we? It's a new season, and to be honest, the first five fixtures are not the worst we could have faced. Let's not be greedy. Take one game at a time, and if the Hearts players (however lacking in the finer arts) give 100% commitment, then I would expect the same from the fans.

_______________________________________________

SEASON 2001/2002 TELETEXT

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WEDNESDAY  22nd May 2002

No Hearts football this week, but fortunately the No Idle Talk team headed for Firhill for thrills. Armed with Hearts scarfs we gave our support to the mighty Linlithgow Rose, who duly thrashed the might of Ayrshire in a one sided final 1-0 going on 4-0. In some ways it was similar to May 16th 1998, when there was maroon and white everywhere, there was even an open topped bus tour through the town afterwards, and let me tell you, we probably drank as much as we did in 1998!

Hearts links? John Binnie (with Hearts in the mid 80's under Doddy played for Linlithgow Rose the last time they won the cup). Sadly he didn't get to play that day because of a poisoned leg!  Graham Hogg played for them! Hearts and the Rose have regularly done deals for old strips. Chick Pearson (good Jambo) on loan from Falkirk.

On the Hearts front it's good to see that the strip is selling so well (best for 5 years apparently). Nothing to do with the fact that you can buy it in a shop then?

On the down side, I hope Scott Severin comes back from the tour with his confidence intact !!!! It mmust be hell for them out there. How bad are we?

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WEDNESDAY  15th May 2002

Hearts seemed a little indifferent against Livvy at the weekend when they duly beat us for the fourth time in four attempts (much to the delight of one pundit who asked if Livingston get to keep us now!) Funny if it wasn't true. Second half we looked like we couldn't be bothered really, with Fultons penalty only being a consoltation.

At the end of the match there was a pitch invasion which was mostly teenagers, but I bet the power that be still land us with a hefty fine. Finally, Stephane Adam and Tam Flogel came out to loud applause followed by Ricardo Fuller. What I couldn't understand was why I was then asked to applaud the rest of the team for a great season! I think some of those players seemed a little embarrassed to me.

So now we have to decide whether to renew our season tickets. Hearts, to their credit have kept the prices the same, but they had to really, didn't they? We cannot even be certain that they will replace the six players they are losing with six of any quality at all. I'm not sure we will be any the wiser by 16th June deadline so there are 10,000 of us sitting swithering,

It would be good if Hearts could enlighten us prior to that date or at least give us some information

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WEDNESDAY  8th May 2002

Sunday brings this indifferent season to a close and we are left to reflect on what might have been. Actually, on the whole the league campaign has more or less met with my expectations. I didn't expect us to get Europe, and we didn't. The biggest disappointment for me, was the defeats by lesser opposition in both cups, particularly the Scottish cup.

While we have no right to beat lower league teams, and I guess the progress of ICT added to the romance of the cup, I thought we had put all that behind us and had become a force to be reckoned with. I've long said that league position means nothing if you are in the cup final.

Apart from the defeats by Hibs, my other concern is that we have failed to beat Livingston in 3 attempts. We have a chance on Sunday to make amends despite the fact that it is too late to make any difference other than stop Aberdeen winning the league (log onto www.noitletalk.com if you want to understand that one).

Finally, if Craig Levein is reading this - Craig, please play Flogel and Adam at some point on Sunday. Both players are responsible for my best weekend as a football fan and I will remember both of them fondly long after they have left Hearts, and I want to show my appreciation, and I'm sure I speak for thousands of Hearts fans.

www.noidletalk.com

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WEDNESDAY  24th April 2002

Hearts kept up their slim hopes of a european place by defeating Dunfermline 2-0 quite easily in the end. There were plus points and minus points about the performance. The first half was dire, but the second was good. Niemi and Flogel  were outstanding, and it was nice to see Andy Kirk having a wee slice of good fortune for a change. He'll be there next season and I have high hopes for him.

I wish I could say the same for Ricardo. Did I see some of his body language telling me something? He didn't celebrate the goal he made, and generally, while he did have a

We now need to take more from Sundays game against Celtic than Livvy do in their game against Dunfermline which is now live on Sky costing £5 per head.  The kick of is earlier than ours so we will know what we will have to do against a Celtic side which will not be the strongest but you can rest assured they will not give us an inch!

Oh, and remember to give the singing big licks at the match. It's the last opportunity of the season for us to show them how welcome they and their blue cousins are in Edinburgh . OFGTF.

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WEDNESDAY  17th April 2002

Well there's no doubting the topic of conversation this week! Hearts managed to keep up the excellent away form by defeating Aberdeen on their own patch (goals from defenders again). However, Livvy managed to put a damper on things by getting a last minute winner against to fod. How the Hearts players and management must be kicking themselves for throwing away 6 points in the last 2 home games.

We hardly deserve Europe, but this is make or break time for the club with people deciding if they will renew their season tickets. If you look at Hearts last 12 results, there's not one result which would persuade anyone to renew their season ticket.

I'm not scaremongering, but if I were looking to spend £300, I'd want to be clear in my mind that I was doing the right thing. A team should win more of it's home matches than away matches. I do home the management take this on board with 3 rapid opportunities to make things right.

Oh, and before I forget, can I just say that I wholeheartedly agree with the majority of teams in standing up to the Old Firm. I realise that in the end a compromise will be reached, but for now, it would please me no end in the both of them just slung their hook!

New issue out on Saturday

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 WEDNESDAY  3rd April 2002

With the sad news that Elvis is out for the rest of the season,  Hearts kick off the rest of the season by stepping into the unknown. Andy Tod is a very experienced player and I'm sure the fans will give him every encouragement. He is not Elvis, but for now he is a Jambo and gets my full support.

With our first two games being away from home one might expect us to even sneak a couple of results (given the way the last 3 games have gone).  If Celtic win the league on Saturday as expected, do you think the FOD will go easy on us on Sunday? A result would set us up nicely. However, we all saw what their second string side did to Killie so we'll just have to take it on the chin.

On a lighter note, we are all going to Almondvale on Friday evening with our maroon scarfs to cheer on a team in maroon to a cup final. Altogether now - "Hail the gallant Rosey Posey, as the Rose go marching on!!

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WEDNESDAY  27th  March 2002

Well the Hearts players certainly know how to bring us down from the clouds following the win against Hibs. I think I was shellshocked at the end of the St Johnstone game! I could accept the opposition scoring first, and I still had belief when it was 2-0, however when they score their penalty a number of Hearts fans walked out. I stayed, hoping more than anything.

What we got was almost a fightback. We scored ten got a penalty quickly, however Fuller made a disasterous attempt. This is the point for me when we lost it. Had we scored the penalty St Johnstone may have cracked.

Credit to them. What worries me is that without Pressley in the side we go to pieces. Experienced players around didn't stand up and be counted. Players like Tommi and Thomas. Maybury and McKenna didn't receive pass marks either. I think the Sloan substisution was for tactical puroposes although he was having a mare.

So now we get 2 away and 3 homes. Europe seems as far away as ever so let's just keep it one game at a time.

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WEDNESDAY  20th  March 2002

What a wonderful world it is after all. Finally, at the 5th attempt, Craigie has put one over hibs in their own back yard. What was really good was the manner in which it was performed. Throughout the second half Hearts were playing so well there just wasn't any danger of losing the game. It is also good to realise that there are at least some referees who are not taken in by all the hype about Ricardo.

The win against hibs also cemented Pressley and Sevvys place in the Scotland squad, and now even the optimists are talking about European football again. If we assume the Cup final will involve Celtic and Rangers, we only need to catch Livingston so let's cheer on Aberdeen on Staurday. If Livvy get beat and we beat St Johnstone then we are 3 behind. What if we get Livvy first game? A victory and we are 4th, then it's down to results against the OF.

I know it's premature and we have an important game on Saturday. Surely the team will confirm the top six place (hopefully at the expense of Kilmarnock). Wouldn't like to have to go to Killie on the last day of the season needing 3 points with JJ in charge. Anyway, St Johnstone have had a couple  of results lately, but it is worth nothing that we could relegate them on Saturday and our players should guard against any complacency just in case the Saintees have a sting in their tail.

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WEDNESDAY  13th  March 2002

Oh dear. Supporting Hearts is just like a roller coaster isn't it? Just as you get to the top of a little rise, there's another steep drop the other side. Following good away performances we go and blow it at home against  a mediocre side.

I know that Levein told us it wasn't his team on the park and he should be judged next season and not this. Bad finishing cost us, and it was a defender put up front who scored. What is happening? Also, why do we persist in putting every single corner right on the six yard box for the keeper to gather? At the game I booed the referee, however it would seem he got both his big decisions right (not sure about the flogel one though - TV coverage was poor). Ach well, their keeper did play a blinder. However, it does concern me that a team who was knocked out the cup midweek and has nothing to play for can apparently be more "up" for a game than our players. Perhaps someone would like to E-Mail me with the answer to that one?

The bottom line is that Killie, us and Pars have 2 games to play. I fancy the Pars to Get at least 4 points. Our best bet is if Killie lose at home to Livvy this weekend. They would have to beat Rangers at Ibrox (assuming St Johnstone don't beat us). It's out of out hands. If we get six points I think it's unlikely Killie will also get six. How much money would YOU put on Hearts to get six out of six?

My prediction?  We draw with hibs, Pars lose to Aberdeen, we both win on final day, we get into the top six on goal difference.

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WEDNESDAY  6th  March 2002

Following a fantastic performance at Motherwell Hearts can now genuinely look at a top six place. It's a pity we cannot shake off Dunfemline to there's going to be one dissapointed outfit. With two home games against teams lower than us, six points will suffice, but it's the away game against Hibs that we need the three points from most.

Sadly, since they defeated St johnstone Hibs will still be having their tea at the big boys table for at least another season, however this will be our final meeting of the season and really, if we want to claim the derby crown back, we have to go there and beat them on their own patch.

Looking forward to Saturday, it seems a while since I watched a game at Tynecastle! Dundee United are a mid table side with nothing much to play for. If we show maximum commitment then surely we should show more desire than them. It is a great boost for the fans when a youngster is brought in and makes an impact. I don't know if it has the same effect on the players displaced, however, I hope that all Jambos show up on Saturday ready to create some atmosphere which sometimes is lacking when we play teams like Dundee United.

Oh, and let's have a couple of blasts of the European Song - please?

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WEDNESDAY  27th  February 2002

You would think that with a free week, people would be taking it easy. Thankfully at Hearts, everyone

Had a few days off, and it was left to hibs to provide the entertainment. First the sacking of Sauzee, followed by the possibility of JJ returning to the capital, then the final insult of getting the mediocre Bobby Williamson.  Hopefully they will get stung for a few quid in compansation.

If that wasn't bad enough, their game against us will now be shown live on Sky with a 5.35 kickoff. While I don't mind because I wasn't going anyway, spare a thought for those who had ordered tickets and whose tickets arrived through the letterbox with 3:00pm stamps on them. What compensation are hibs going to give them if they now don't want to go?

Onto the weekend. Motherwell away is a tricky fixture in that they always seem to try that little bit harder against us. We just have to match them physically. I'm sick and tired of animals like Greg Strong pushing his weight around and getting away with it. There's a time to dish it out, and he has one of those faces you wouldn't get tired of slapping.

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WEDNESDAY  20th  February 2002

Following a fantastic result against Kilmarnock at the weekend I shouldn't be surprised if Craig levein is feeling pretty pleased with himself. Without Ricardo Fuller he must have wondered where the goals were going to come from. Step up 3 unlikely sources. Great goal from Mahe to open his account, and a good fightback at the end. The introduction of the two younsters showed that there is some promise in the reserves.

Maybe a draw wasn't the ideal result but in the circumstances it was welcome. Now we have a free week to ponder over things before taking on the might of Motherwell, Dundee Utd, Hibs and St Johnstone before the split. Top five by the split is achievable, top four by the end of the season must be a target.

Good news on the sponsorship front and the continuing demise of hibs mean that this may not be a wasted season after all.

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WEDNESDAY  6th  February 2002

Well we (only just) managed to halt the slide at Dunfermline. An improved performance was required and that was what we got. We were even given the pleasure of  the rare sight of a Stephane Adam goal. Hopefully things will get back to normal again with the return of  Kevin Mckenna following his exploits in Canada.

You can argue whether he should have gone or not, but there's no mistaking that we have not won a game since he went away. That speaks volumes.

On Saturday we play Rangers, and after a very physical CIS Cup semi final against Celtic, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few non regulars in their line up. That should be enough to at least spur us on to a good performance. I feel we are well overdue a break against the Old Firm, and this will be a perfect opportunity for Ricardo to show us he has got an appetite for the big game.

Off the park it was interesting to see that the pieman is negotiating with an English consortium re selling his shares (although he did deny it). There's no smoke without fire and all I can say is that I wish him all the very best in his negotiations.

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WEDNESDAY  30th  January 2002

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Shocks. That's what the cup is all about. Sadly Hearts seem to be on the end of more shocks that is healthy. I don't mind getting beat when we are unlucky like when you have an off day in front of goal, or the referee decides tie one hand behind your back.

On Saturday we were outfought and out thought by a team that is only one point ahead of Clyde in Division 1. The problem lies with the players for this one. Yes, we had a couple of defenders out, but we have been scoring freely and have confidence. We were second to a lot of 50-50 balls, and while you can single out some players for criticism, the whole lot of them (with the possible exception of Fulton and Niemi) should be ashamed of themselves.

In my opinion, Saturday was a kick in the teeth for the fans who now have to motivate themselves for another  10 meaningless games. If we don't beat Dunfermline on Saturday we could miss out on the top 6 (would that be so bad - at least we'd get to play hibs again).

Sorry Craig, this isn't good enough.  If Fuller isn't playing well, we are little better than first division quality, that's the bottom line. Why can't we be physical, why should we be the nice guys?

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WEDNESDAY  23rd  January 2002

I suppose it had to come to an end sometime, it's just a pity that the Livvy game was a real 6 pointer. Things were going reasonably well for us until the sending off. TV evidence shows that Maybury kicked the ball, however those anonymous people at the SFA decided to uphold the referees decision so we will just have to lump it I'm afraid. We can speculate as to whether we would have won the game, and we'll never know.

I was disappointed that Ricardo had a quiet game. There are those who don't think he can perform against top sides, and it would be nice to see him bag a goal or two against either of the gruesome twosome. He has done brilliantly so far, but a goal or two in the right games would put the pieman in an impossible position.

Fortunately, we have a home cup tie against a team we should beat with something to spare, however nobody will forget Celtic a couple of seasons ago. Progression to the quarter finals is a must, as anything can happen by then.

Let's not forget our friends from Leith either. Defeat against the FOD means it truly is ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN A ROW. 

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WEDNESDAY  16th  January 2002

The season just gets better and better, doesn't it. I don't think even the wildest optimist would have has us going to Livingston with a real prospect of stealing third place from them, but that is the reality. After scraping a couple of results, I think now the team is settled and playing with some confidence.

It was pleasing to see Tommy scoring his first goal for Hearts. He is a bit of an unsung hero at the moment. Stevie Fulton is answering some of his critics. What are the chances of either of them gracing the first team next season? Aberdeen were equal to us in the first half but after the break, something just seemed to click into place.

Looking further forward, clearly we have a tough schedule ahead. None of the next 4 games will be easy and we have no right to expect to win all four, but if the fans all adopt a positive attitude and give all the players full backing whatever the score, maybe, just maybe we'll come out at the end with a real prospect of something tangible at the end of the season.

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WEDNESDAY  9th  January 2002

Firstly congratulations to Craig Levein and Ricardo Fuller for winning the manager and player of the month of December respectively. Both of them fully deserve the accolade. When I remember back to Ricardo's first appearance in a Hearts jersey I find it hard to believe it is the same player.  His goals against Ross County were as clinical as I have ever seen. We have already  had the first of what I suspect will be several attempts by Leslie Deans to undermine the Hearts regime by saying he would have offered to buy Ricardo. Lost more to come on that one I think

There was only one small down side during the whole festive period but we are over that now. Just remember, six games in a row is not nearly as embarrasing as 100 years in a row! My only regret is that we will only get to play them three times this season. ha ha ha!

Looking forward to Saturday, if anything this game is as important as an old firm or a derby match. Two wins in the next two  matches could see us in fourth place and only three points behind Livingston who must surely have their bad spell to come

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WEDNESDAY  19th  December 2001

Following Saturday's rather easy win over Killie, normal service has been resumed in the league positions. Our city neigbours have taken back their rightful place below us - long may it continue.

The manner in which we achieved what was a vital 3 points was surprising. I thought that Kilmarnock were a better side than they displayed. They were possibly the poorest side I've seen at Tynie this season.  Ricardo Fuller did the business in the first half and from then on neither team hardly broke sweat which is unusual for a game between these two sides.

So, step 1 of the festive points gathering exercise was a success, we move onto step 2 which is Motherwell. Under normal circumstances I would have said 3 points were a cert, but having watched their commitment in the draw with Rangers, we'll have to be on our guard all the time.

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WEDNESDAY  12th  December 2001

Hearts fans received a piece of good news this week as Alex Mcleish shows loyalty has no bounds. In the words on one funnier than me, he's gone from a wee diddy team to a big diddy team. One cannot help but be amused that both hibs fans and Rangers fans are unhappy. Didn't anyone tell David Murray that Eck has not won anything for hibs?

OK, so we lost to Rangers at the weekend. There's nothing new in that, and they don't want to be in our league so there's little point in discussing it.

I'm more interested in the next 4 games. Three at home and one away, all of which are winnable. I'd say we should be looking for a minimum of 7 points out of 12, but I think 10 out of 12 is possible. The first game is probably the most important as far as getting the confidence is concerned. Killie are 6 points ahead, to lose would make it 9. If we beat them it's back to 3, with some easier games coming up.

With the festive season upon us, I know the fans will be up for it. So Craigie, how about getting them in for an extra shift practising the corners and the free kicks?

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WEDNESDAY  5th  December 2001

Hearts mini-revival almost came to an abrupt halt against Dunfermline. Did we underestimate them because we beat them easily before? Anyway, trailing 1-0 with 90 minutes gone we got a penalty which, on the possession and chances was probably deserved, however the arguments will continue. There was no doubts about the way Simmons slotted the ball away.

I was also impressed with Ricardo Fuller again, however he is a wee bit of a one man show at the moment. We don't seem to have many problems defending (only lost 3 goals in the last 4 games). Our troubles right now are creating chances.  While Fuller is playing well, he isn't getting easy chances. Gary Wales isn't getting on the end of anything, and there is hee haw coming from the midfield.

I  appreciate the work that the midfield put in, but we are crying out for someone to burst forward to help the front men. Someone joked that perhaps Maybury and Pressley could be introduced to each other sometime! Not really that off base.  Someone else has to get forward, particularly at home games where we really must win (unless we turn our away form around)

Sunday means a visit to the FOD. Given our current attacking restrictions I don't expect us to have a go, I expect another damage limitation job. Let's hope we can frustrate them enough to get a point.

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WEDNESDAY  28th  November 2001

Suddenly there is a small chink of light at the end of the long long tunnell. The last three performances have shown that Hearts have some fire in the belly at last. Despite only gaining 4 points from 9, the way the team has pulled together lately has given rise to a reasonable amount of cautious optimism.

The early performances of Ricardo Fuller now forgotten, he is now endearing himself to the fans who do seem over critical at times. We seem to have steadied the defence (funny how playing a player in his right position strengthens the tram), and we seem to have improved the midfield dignificantly, although there are still too few attacking opportunities from that area.

Stephane Adam was injured (again) on Saturday. This leaves Craig with a decision to make. He is short of experienced cover, and with the Kirk/Wales partnership destined never to get off the ground, again one of them will probably miss out (unless he throws caution to the wind and plays all three strikers against Dunfermline on Saturday).

Good luck to the team, and please please, let's get right behind them. I know we make a difference when we are fired up.

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WEDNESDAY  21st  November 2001

Saturday was a bit of a watershed for Hearts I think. After Craig Levein's honest comments at the agm, I think the Hearts fans collectively made a decision to back the team to the hilt. This they did from start to finish. The players definitely got a lift from the vociferous support, and there was a glimpse of the old days when the police waded into the Hearts end to eject some eejits who had driven the wrong way down the M8.

I thought everyone played well, especially the defense. It was a shame on Andy Webster, because he never put a foot wrong all afternoon. It was a stonewall penalty, How some of the Hearts supporters around me had the audacity to call Agathe a cheat is beyond me!

Fuller was my man of the match. Never in complete control of the ball, he does nevertheless put a great deal of effort into his game, as did Grondlund. I did think we were worth a point.

Now, if only we can improve on our terrible away record against a Dundee side who are not playing particularly well at the moment. If we show the same desire to get to the ball as we did against sellik, then another 3 points beckons.

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WEDNESDAY  14 th November 2001

A welcome win was gained against Dundee and Ricardo Fuller opened his tynie account. I was really disappointed with Dundee and felt they were as poor a side as I've seen this season. Still, 3 points is 3 points.

Probably the most relieved man in the stadium was the Chief Exec. With the AGM looming the last thing

The assembled crowd overwhelmingly voted the chairman out of office only to be told tough luck, he has 4 million proxy votes behind him. There was never £4 million for the Academy, it was only £2m. Wallace Mercer challenged the board about the ticket offices and the audience applauded WM. Leslie Deans then said that WM was more truthful than the Chief Exec. He then called the Chairman a liar. The Chairman said he "didn't think he had misled the fans". The Board told Leslie Deans to put up or shut up.  The Chiefe Exec did a presentation which showed how a debt of £17m was made to look like a debt of £6m.

Step forward mr Paul Daniels

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WEDNESDAY  7th November 2001

It just can't get any worse than this (or could it). St Johnstone could find some form! On the one hand, losing away games while winning most home games kept the protestors away, the capitulation at home against Livvy meant fans got a rude awakening.

Yet Livvy are there on merit (although they haven't had the bill yet). Most Hearts fans were shellshocked on Saturday at the inept performance. Looking for scapegoats has become a Gorgie passtime.

The problem is, everyone can take a share of the blame (some more than others). Chris Robinson will have to do some fast talking at the Hearts AGM on Monday to explain away what is happening.  Would getting rid of CR solve the problems? Is there anyone else remotely interested in doing that job?

I'm getting worried about Craig Levein and the lack of fight HIS players are showing.  I am confident that if Severin, Pressley, Wales, Kirk and Thomasheck were fully fit we would not be in this position. Sadly, the fight isn't there and the tactics are strange to say the least.

Lastly, remember we are only 5 points behind hibs 

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WEDNESDAY  31st October 2001

I feel as if I should have something spooky and scary for you today. Sadly I don't have anything of that nature, if you want something scary I'd suggest looking at the Hearts Balance Sheet!

Anyway, I wasn't at Aberdeen, but it was a good performance spoilt by a fussy referee. Thornley did dive, but so did Mahe. The laddie Weir was unlucky, the ref could have just booked him. I thought Flogel was rash. Whether the first booking was justified or not, the second was. Losing is just a way of life for us at the moment.

With the injury problems, the behind the scenes goings-on and the bad results, it would be easy for Hearts fans to stop going and join the growing flock who either shop or paint on a Saturday. However, I'm hoping us Hearts fans are made of sterner stuff.

We have problems, yes, but could every Hearts fan reading this just please please support the team during the next 3 consecutive home games. I can't stress enough how strongly I feel that the team needs our support right now.

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WEDNESDAY  24th October 2001

A derby defeat is always hard to take, particularly when you take into account Hearts dominance over the years. Let's call it a character building exercise for anyone under 25. I don't fall into that category. I've been there when they had the upper hand. Trust me, it only lasts for a while then it goes away.

Sunday's game was a little bizarre. The weather conditions and the state of the pitch were miserable. Let me say before I launch into a tirade or excuses that hibs deserved the victory. At times we seemed clueless.  Why does it take a defender to play up front to give us shape?

Anyway, it struck me that Useless' goal was a pure fluke. He didn't even look up. You couldn't even say they were on top at the time since it was their first attack.  The game was probably lost by the time Brewster cynically fouled Sevvy, but Mike McCurry was guilty of a major bottle-job.

It was difficult to get an impression of Fuller in the conditions, and Juanjo fans will have noticed his lack of contribution. Adam fails to impress me, as does Sevvy in midfield. How about sending Pressley to the doctor, putting Sevvy back and playing Mckenna up front with Fuller?

In the end there's little to look forward to except an in-form Aberdeen at the weekend followed by an in-form Livingston followed by an in-form Celtic. I'm off to the doctors myself to get some valium

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WEDNESDAY  10th October 2001

Well done to all Jambo related players for their part in Scotlands futile attempt to qualify for the world cup. Mickey and Neil McCann played well, Davie Weir scored his first international goal and Scott Severin got his first full cap at the tender age of 22. I was surprised at his inclusion, and it tickles me to think that the hibbys must be spitting feathers over the fact that their midfield was overlooked!

So Craig Broon is departed and the speculation is rife as to who the successor will be. Who would want the job? Gordon Strachan is a pretty good candidate (as he is out of a job anyway), but we can't rule out a foreign coach. I don't think JJ is a candidate, as he is certainly not the towing the party line kind of guy!

Back to the JT's. St Johnstone come visiting on Saturday and it's a chance to get back on the rails again. I'd like to see Juanjo involved from the start in this one. Three points is more important that building for the future. That can come when Juanjo and Sweggers leave and we get a full back and a midfielder in.

What we need on Saturday is for the strikers involved to actually play well. Recently, neither Kirk, Wales or Adam look like they know where the goals are situated. I know the midfield is meant to supply ball, but you'd think they could muster their own efforts once in a while.

Enough negativity. On Saturday, could you all just pleas get behind every player from the start, and let's at least TRY to be the extra man for a change. I couldn't stand being outsung at home by St Johnstone fans!

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WEDNESDAY  3rd October 2001

A fourth defeat in a row, and the storm clouds are gathering around Tynie. I was there on Saturday to witness the latest capitulation to a very ordinary Dundee United side. Call it a sucker punch if you like, but Hearts had the whole of the first half to wrap things up. The introduction of Juanjo at half time helped, so goodness only knows what we'll be like when he goes!

Our forwards won't score if they are expected to create the openings as well, so it is the midfield that is causing me most concern right now. Neither Severin, Fulton or Boyak have the flair or pace required, Flogel doesn't have the penetration either. Until we replace Mickey with a similar type of player we will struggle to get forward.

If that wasn't bad enough, our Greek friend may not be joining us now.  It never rains but it pours. Mercifully we have a Scotland match before we entertain the might of St Johnstone (another team desperately seeking a win!).

Good luck to Elvis and Sevvy (Mickey as well - let's hope he at least gets a start)

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WEDNESDAY  26th September 2001

It is a dark dark day down in Gorgie! Ach well, it's a mickey mouse tournament anyway! Seriously, there's going to be a little pressure on Hearts management and board this week. I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Robinson and Craig Levein haven't called a special crisis meeting in the lead up to Saturdays game.

An away defeat is acceptable under certain conditions. One of the conditions is that we match the opposition in commitment and effort. I don't think that happened at Motherwell. Similarly, I don't think we have the right to progress in the CIS cup because we are in the SLP and Ross County are not. What I do expect is that because it is a cup tie, we go forward and attack. To play both Motherwell and Ross Co and score no goals  is unacceptable to the fans of HMFC.

Why are our tactics so negative in away games? Are Hearts trying to drive fans away from the game? I know we are inexperienced, but please, let's have a go! Some of the teams we have lost to are not that great defensively.

There are some dangerous warning signs here. I have a message for the Hearts board and management.  Please listen to the fans this time. Most of us are patient and prepared for a transitional period, but it has to be achieved with a degree of dignity. God bless the Hearts.

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WEDNESDAY  19th September 2001

Oh dear, it looks like inconsistency is going to be the name of the game this season. A great performance against Rangers followed by a very poor performance against a Killie side who are not exactly world-beaters. I feel for the young boys in the team, particularly  Kirk, Wales, Webster and McKenna. 

Overall, our away form has been pretty poor. Our defence seems able to soak up pressure to a point, but eventually, we give away a goal. In contrast, our attack is very ropey. Our strikers have now played 360 minutes of football without a goal away from home. Something needs to be done about that.

Today's news that Billy Davies has left Motherwell will strike a familiar note with Hearts fans. Here we have a struggling team looking for their first win of the season. We have had some pretty physical encounters with them over the years. Let's hope we show as much committment as is required.

It is a little disappointing to drop behind our friends from Leith for the first time this season, however with a great deal of vocal backing, we can keep pace with the leaders.

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WEDNESDAY  12th September 2001

Hearts fans are now feeling a little more confident in the future following an excellent performance against Rangers. Never mind that they were slightly understrength, god knows we were as well (Adam, Cameron, Thomasheck, Wales all missing) .  Dick was generous in his praise of our equalising goal, saying it was a lucky strike out of nothing.

It is very encouraging to see Sevvy, McKenna and Simmons on the score sheet. I'm sure most Hearts fans were wondering if we could replace the goals of Mickey, and I am really pleased to see players stepping into the breach.

If someone had said we'd be 3rd after 6 games I'd have laughed, but the team have knuckled down well. I think we'll have our ups and downs, but as long as the team shows the same level of commitment all the time we won't struggle against lesser sides.

One person who will be breathing a big sigh of relief is our Chief Executive Chris Robinson. He has got more lives that a cat.  He has survived the badge fiasco, the name change, the sacking of Jefferies, the Deans bid, the sale of  Naysmith, Weir, Johnston, McCann, Ritchie up to last year and now the sale of Mickey. How many more lives has he got?

Good atmosphere on Saturday, let's keep it up. Remember, Section G is where to go for the singing.

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WEDNESDAY  5th September 2001

It was strange watching Mickey on Saturday. Firstly I wondered how he didn't warrant a starting position. Secondly, I still found myself following his and Naysmith's every move the way you do when it is a Hearts player playing for his country. It doesn't seem to matter anymore whether Mickey plays well for Scotland but I couldn't help myself scrutinising him. I felt sorry for Elvis. Yet again he has missed an opportunity.

Looking at the Scotland team/performance I can't help but point an accusing finger at Dick Advocaat. He has ruined no less than five potential international careers in the last 18 months. Dodds, Miller and Johnston are the worst, and can you honestly say Neil McCann is better now (or Paul Ritchie)? Scotland need a striker and he has spoiled 4 of them.

Nevertheless, we get a chance to scream abuse at Dick and our friends from the west as we welcome them to Tynecastle on Saturday. No doubt they will spread their sectarian bile and empty buckie bottles all over Gorgie Road before their star-studded players trounce us 5-0.

In an attempt to try and stop this happening, can I make a special request for ALL Hearts fans to get behind the team no matter what the score is, and let's give our young team a big lift. Don't forget Rangers have an important European game coming up and  may not want to mix it. Our disciplinary record is exemplary (4 bookings in 5 games) so we can afford a couple of  wholehearted challenges!

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WEDNESDAY  29th August 2001

Wow! What an eventful week since I last spoke to you. On Thursday I went to the Hearts Fans Forum AGM (they don't wish to be called supporters anymore). Chris Robinson turned up at 8:30 to speak about the new stadium to be built on top of the civic amenity site (council tip to you & me). He was very positive about the new project and managed to get most of the assembled crowd of 65 on his side (some reluctantly).

A few hours later we learned that we had sold our captain, best player and top goalscorer.  Mickey may have had a couple of lean spells lately but nobody can deny his worth to the team. The transfer fee of 1.75 million plus some benefits makes a laughing stock once again out of Scottish football and Hearts.  I believe that no other bids came in, but joining Wolves doesn't show much ambition. He'll get a big pay rise, and he will get his wish to play in England, but I can't help thinking that it was all a bit rushed. If he has been wanting away from Hearts so desperately that he would accept the personal terms of the first mickey mouse club to come along, I wonder if all is right behind the scenes.

It is also a bit galling that Chris Robinson had waved goodbye to Colin Cameron not even 3 hours prior to getting up in front of 2 large audiences of Jambos and he said nothing.

All that said, the team won a game away from home without Mickey and scores a special goal into the bargain. Before this season started I said we'd be lucky to get top six. I still have that belief.  If this situation has a silver lining it is that Elvis now has the captaincy. This is something I have been harping on about for over a year.

 I am willing to tolerate the situation for now as I bought my season ticket in full knowledge that we would lose one of our best players ( I thought it would be Niemii). However, if we lose someone else I and many others will not be so tolerant (although 4 million from Liverpool would be nice if CL got the dosh to spend).

Good luck to all Jambos and ex Jambos in the internationals

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WEDNESDAY  22nd August 2001

What a difference a week makes! When Kevin McKenna took to the pitch as a makeshift centre forward I don't think anyone had any idea that we would produce the best attacking football this season.  I remember before the game slating our forwards and particularly Wales and Adam. Imagine my delight when Gary Wales shoved my words right down my throat. May I'll have to make a habit of slating a few more then they will produce more performances worthy of the famous Hearts.

Thanks to the win, we are safely tucked in behind the leaders.  We have another important game at Dunfermline on Saturday. They have had a decent start to the season and will probably see themselves as a top six team, so it won't be easy. Our away form has not been of a great standard and I wouldn't be surprised to see a much less attacking team trying to contain them and score on the break.  It's not the traditional way I view Dunfermline games but times change, and we are in a period of rebuilding ourselves, so let's go with the managers choice of tactics for the time being.

It was good to see much more singing on Saturday than against Aberdeen. The main stand gave ample support and applause for the drummer in the Wheatfield Stand (how did you get that past the over-officious stewards?).

Finally, let's see as many of you as possible at the Supporters Forum meeting on Thursday evening (Gorgie Suite 7:00pm.)

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WEDNESDAY  15th August 2001

As the new season slowly folds out in front of us, I have already heard the two immortal phrases "A win on Saturday will kick start our season", and  "The next two results will decide our season".  Regardless of the truth in either of these two statements, we desperately need a win on Saturday. I don't just mean an unconvincing 1-0 job. What we need is a gutsy victory where the players play with some passion and the forwards actually do some damage to the opposition.

Dundee have had a reasonable start to the season, so it won't be easy. However, they have lost their best player without replacing him, and we did defeat them in the last game of the season so there's nothing to be particularly cautious about.

A 2-0 defeat at Parkhead is just about par for the course these days. Better Hearts teams have lost more than 2 goals there.  I'm a little dissapointed at the way we don't attack them, but I guess it's something we have to live with until Craig feels the team is strong enough to do this. More worrying is that against Aberdeen, we left nobody up front when the dons had set pieces in our half.

Finally, please get behind the team at home. It is soul destroying for fans and players alike to hear a noise coming from the away end and nothing to counter it. I feel there is potential in the old main stand this season, but let's hear the songs at 0-0, not just after we score.

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WEDNESDAY  1st August 2001

Who said the close season was too long???  The way Hearts played on Saturday, they could have been doing with another two weeks to prepare.  The result was very disappointing, yet strangely not very surprising.  I expected Livvy, with 17 new players to be confident, unpredicable and difficult to beat, and that's what we got. Sadly, our players were outfought, despite having a lot of the early pressure. Some of the Hearts fans vented their frustration which I think was a little premature, but understandable.

£19 plus the cost of travel is a lot, and you have a right to be entertained. Your team doesn't have to win, but they must compete with the opposition.

That said, it is only one game. In 1985/86 we lost 5 of our first 8 games, one against Clydebank and look where we ended up. The signing of Stephane Mahe is very positive. I know he has his moments, but right now we could use a little bit and attitude in the team.

Who says there's no money in Scottish football? First Aberdeen, then hibs, then Dundee, now Hearts have thrown their hat into the ring with the announcement of a 30,000 seated stadium near Ingliston. I've not seen the plans, but if the finances were put in place in such a way as not to cripple us, I'm all for it.

As long as there is a good public transport link with Gorgie, I don't think there will be too many negative points. People will still go back to their usual haunts after the match. And if improved parking and facilities ecourage new fans, let's go for it.

Contributions now due for issue 52. Deadline 7th August

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WEDNESDAY  25th July 2001

Well here we are again going headlong into the unknown. I'm usually good at predictions but I honestly think this season is one of the most difficult to predict. I can't even separate the gruesome twosome.  Did our friends from leith have a one-off season?  Will Aberdeen and Dundee utd continue to improve? Are Killie any good? Are we really as good as we think we are? Will Dundee get what they deserve this season?

I can't answer any of these questions, but if other teams' preparations have been as impressive as ours we are in for an interesting season. Despite the indifferent results, most of the match reports indicate that Craig Levein is happy with the performance of certain players. There's no doubt that we now have a young squad which has potential, but I don't know if any other fans feel the same, but there's a spark missing somewhere.

It could be the absence of a major signing or the underlying money problems I can't put my finger on it. How important it is to get a win on Saturday? Lose to this lot and it will indeed be a long season! Anyway, get stuck in Hearts!

And what about the hibby's? A record 6,300 season tickets sold! Mickey mouse or what?

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WEDNESDAY  18th July 2001

It seems hard to believe that the new season is less than 2 weeks away and Hearts are only going to play three away friendlies before tackling the might of the Mighty Lions (joke). I've been away on holiday and have been scouring the papers from some transfer activity. Sadly there has been precious little. There's a nice picture in the EEN of  Jacques Paviot who is on trail and basically that's all there is to look forward to.

Oh, and Andy Kirk is injured already.

Still, word has it that Hearts have sold more season tickets than before, and significantly more than our friends from Leith who have been caught fleecing the fans once too often. £24 for away fans at Easter Road is going to lose them a lot of goodwill. I'll settle for that, plus an early season injury to their new superstar from Ecuador.

this section maintained by Craig Young