Match Report: Hearts 1-0 Falkirk
The Bairns traveled through to Edinburgh this afternoon to face Heart of Midlothian in round 28 of the Scottish Premiership. Falkirk got off to a quick start a left footed shot from Brad Spencer after 3 minutes was just wide of the post. Kyrell Wilson was next to test the Jambos with a shot outside of the box but it was comfortably saved by Schwolow Hearts had a chance with Alexandros Kyziridis as he cuts inside but the shot is deflected and then saved by Scott Bain. Blair Spittal had an opportunity from a free kick however it was blocked. The scoring was opened in the 45th minute a good ball through from Kyziridis finds Islam Chesnokov and a left footed shot finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the Jambos. Into the second half Hearts had a good opportunity through Claudio Braga and the shot just trickled wide of the right post. Falkirk were not giving up their fight either, a cross into the box from the left is sent out by Craig Halkett at full stretch. A moment of concern for the Jambos as he looks to be injured but after some minor treatment he was back up and going again. The corner was taken and a very close range shot for John McGlynn’s side a bit of a scuffle in the box and Schwolow has to tip the ball over the bar. The final opportunity of the afternoon came from the home side a free kick outside the box and Kyziridis steps up a strong shot and Scott Bain makes another important save. Another 3 point for the Jam Tarts and they are now 5 point clear at the top of the league. Celtic and Rangers play tomorrow and have an opportunity to hunt them down . Hearts- Schwolow (8), Halkett (8), Braga (7), Steinwender (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Magnusson (7), Spittal (7), Leonard (8), Kyziridis (7), Chesnokov (9). Substitutions- Kabore (5), Altenta (5), McCart (5) Falkirk- Bain (6), Adams (6), McCann (6), Donaldson (5), Spencer (5), Broggio (6), Stewart (5), Tait (6), Wilson (7), Lissah, (6), Miller (6) Substitutions- Marsh (5), Cartwright (6), Allan (5), Ross (5), Williams (6)
McInnes Warns of “Difficult Game” as Hearts Aim to Stay Top Against Falkirk
Derek McInnes caught up with the media ahead of Hearts’ game against Falkirk on Saturday. He said “They’re [Falkirk] a good side. We’ve had two big league wins against them this season but we’ve had to do so well in both of them.” “I thought our home game against them earlier in the season was as good as we’ve played. I thought we were very good.” “The away game, with the conditions, it was difficult and obviously they have managed to beat us on penalties in the cup recently.” “So we are well aware, I think they’ve been brilliant value. I thought they would have been, I said that before the first game and nothing has changed my mind.” “I think they have got good energy, good speed in how they play, and well managed, so it’s a difficult game for us.” “But as I say, to get to where we want to get to and for us to stay top of the league, we are going to have to play well and hopefully Saturday’s another demonstration of that.” Both sides will head into this weekend’s game off the back of defeats. Hearts lost away to Rangers in a 4-2 thriller, and Falkirk dropped points to Dundee United at home in only their 4th home defeat this season.
Forest Axe Dyche as Relegation Fears Deepen
Nottingham Forest have parted company with head coach Sean Dyche following a difficult run of results that left the club hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The decision brings an abrupt end to Dyche’s short tenure at the City Ground and marks yet another chapter in what has been a turbulent season for the club. The final decision to sack Dyche followed another disappointing result that failed to ease fears of relegation. In a short statement, Nottingham Forest thanked Dyche for his effort and professionalism during his time at the club. They wished him well for the future, showing respect despite the difficult circumstances. For Dyche, the dismissal is disappointing but not unusual in modern football, where managers are often judged quickly on results. He remains an experienced coach with a strong reputation. During his time in charge, Dyche managed 25 matches in all competitions. Out of those games, Forest won ten, drew six, and lost nine. The team scored 36 goals and conceded 28. Forest collected 21 points in the Premier League under his leadership, but that was not enough to move them comfortably away from the bottom three. For Nottingham Forest, the focus now turns to what happens next. The players must respond positively, and the new manager will have little time to make changes. Forest will face Fenerbahce in the Europa League Round of 32 next Thursday before hosting last year’s champions Liverpool at the City Ground next Sunday.
Steady Moves in a Busy Month: Hearts’ January Window Reviewed
Heart of Midlothian approached the January 2026 transfer window with a clear aim, to strengthen key areas without disrupting the core of the squad. Defensive reinforcement arrived early with the signing of Dutch centre-back Jordi Altena from RKC Waalwijk. Brought in on an undisclosed fee, Altena has added reinforcements to the Jambos back line while also offering an attacking side as well. In attack, Hearts looked abroad for added pace and creativity. Islam Chesnokov joined from Tobol Kostanay, giving the side another option out wide. His arrival was highly anticipated after signing a pre contract at the beginning of the season. Midfield depth was addressed later in the window through the loan signing of Marc Leonard from Birmingham City. Leonard was part of the Hearts academy and has had a large impact over his first two games. Another attacking option arrived in the shape of Rogers Mato, who joined on loan from FK Vardar. The Ugandan forward came in as Hearts managed injuries among their strikers, with the deal structured to allow for his permanent three year move in the summer. Outgoing business was quieter but still significant. Goalkeeper Zander Clark moved to Doncaster Rovers on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The move allowed Clark to gain regular minutes, while Hearts still have the options of Alexander Schwolow, Craig Gordon and Ryan Fulton. Midfielder Sander Kartum also left temporarily, joining Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Men. The loan will provide Kartum with more consistent football and he has made an impact already, scoring in his first appearance for the club. One of the more high-profile exits came very late in the window, as academy graduate James Wilson joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an option to buy. The 18-year-old striker moved south to continue his development at under-21 level in England. Hearts’ January window was more about smart adjustments than headline moves. Additions were made across defence, midfield and attack, while outgoing loans gave players the chance to play regularly elsewhere. It all pointed to a club thinking sensibly about the present while keeping one eye on the months ahead in their title charge.
Hearts Claim 3–0 Victory Over Dundee United at Tannadice
Hearts extend their lead at the top of the table with a win over Dundee United. It was a clinical night for Heart of Midlothian at Tannadice as they came away with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee United, consolidating their grip at the top of the Premiership table. The Jambos made a positive start and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Pierre Landry Kaboré found space inside the box, after a cross from Harry Milne and he finished from close range saw them go 1-0 up. Dundee United enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to build play, but struggled to convert that control into clear scoring opportunities. Amar Fatah was sent off for the home side after a challenge on Marc Leonard. The decision was originally given as a yellow but referee Calum Scott was sent to the monitor and the card was upgraded to red. Hearts then doubled their lead through a penalty. Claudio Braga was brought down in the box by Ryan Strain. Alexandros Kyziridis stepped up with a right footed shot and scored. United attempted to respond before the interval, pushing players higher up the pitch, but they were unable to test the Hearts goalkeeper in any meaningful way. The pattern of the game remained largely unchanged after the break. Dundee United continued to work the ball forward but struggled to break down a compact Hearts back line. Hearts were content to manage the game with their 2-0 lead. In the 75th minute Panutche Camará saw red, a second sending off for Dundee United this time for violent conduct against Marc Leonard. Kabore got his third goal of the evening after 81 minutes a left footed shot into the right side of goal and that sealed the game for McInnes’ side. Despite their efforts, Dundee United were unable to trouble the scoreboard. Hearts leave Tannadice with a clean sheet and all three points. Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer (4), Cleall- Harding (5), Graham (4), Keresztes (3), Strain (5), Stephenson (4), Sibbald (4), Ferry (5), Fatah (2), Möller (4), Trapanovski (4) Substitutions: Farrugia (3), Sapsford (4), Camara (2), Stirton (3) Hearts: Schwolow (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Halkett (7), Altena (7), Kyziridis (8), Magnusson (6), Leonard (8), McEntee (7), Braga (7), Kabore (9) Substitutions: McCart (6), Steinwender (5), Kerjota (6), Ageu (6), Mato (5)
McInnes Previews Dundee United
Hearts will make the trip up to Tannadice to face Dundee United in an 8pm kick off. This is the third time the two sides have met with Hearts winning the first game 3-2 and the second meeting ended in a 1-1 draw. Derek McInnes spoke to the media ahead of their game saying: “We’ve had a couple tough games against United, a late winner and deserve no more than a point at Tynecastle. I didn’t think we were great in that game”. “Whereas I thought we deserved the win up there. Albeit, the winner comes a bit late”. “That day the pitch was pristine, sunshine. A brilliant advert for the Scottish game, obviously the nature in the back end of January the pitch won’t be perfect. It’s just the way it is for lots of clubs at the minute”. “I know Dundee United are desperate to get the game on, as we are. Looking forward to it”. “Nonetheless, it will be a tough game there’s three point available and we are well aware of each game and their importance”. Hearts are still without a lot of player due to injury and Beni Baningime is suspended for this game also. The Jambos announced mid week the signing of Rodgers Mato. He joins this side on loan for the remainder of the season before his official three year contract begins in July.
Homecoming Move: Hearts Bring Back Marc Leonard
Heart of Midlothian have added a familiar face to their squad after confirming the loan signing of Marc Leonard until the end of the season. The midfielder’s return to Tynecastle could be crucial, with injuries and suspensions affecting options in the middle of the park. Originally part of the club’s youth setup, Leonard left Scotland as a teenager to continue his development in England. A spell with Brighton’s academy helped shape his career before making his mark at Northampton Town. During his time there, he became a consistent starter, playing over 100 matches. Those performances eventually earned him a permanent move to Birmingham City. Opportunities have been harder to come by this season in the Championship, with most appearances coming from the bench. Experience north of the border should help him settle quickly, and there’s clearly motivation to prove a point back where it all started. Leonard spoke to Hearts media as part of his announcement, where he said, “Once I spoke to the manager. I knew that this was the place for me to come back” “I was over the moon, the conversation went really well and I’m so glad I’m here” He will be available against Celtic this weekend and is likely to make his first professional appearance in Maroon to cover the sparse midfield area.
Top but Still Underdogs: Hearts Eye Celtic
Derek McInnes has been interviewed ahead of a title fighting game this weekend. The Jambos will host Celtic on Sunday as the two sides are separated by only 6 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. He said “Obviously it’s a big game on Sunday, we’ve still got a lot going for us with the squad and it’s not all doom and gloom. I need to stress that” “Injuries are part and parcel, losing key players is part and parcel and I don’t want anyone from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism” “It’s a brilliant game to be involved in and we are really looking forward to it” “So whatever Hearts team gets put out we will be ready for Celtic, and ready to compete. Just as we’ve always been” “We will always probably be seen as the underdog even though we are top of the league” “Last time out, maybe there was some of you guys (media) and some people out there last time we played Celtic, thought Hearts had a right good chance of winning it” “We believe we can win the game on Sunday, regardless of who’s fit and who’s not” The Edinburgh side have won both previous games against Celtic this season, and this will be the 3rd different Celtic manager they have faced across those games.
Craig Gordon – Hearts Hero?
Craig Gordon delivered yet another late-game moment of magic for Hearts last weekend, reminding everyone that age is just a number in football. In a tense Scottish Premiership battle at Dens Park, Hearts went ahead through Claudio Braga’s strike, but they were soon reduced to ten men after first-choice keeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off just before half-time. That’s when Gordon, now 43 and making his first appearance this season, was called into action and he stepped up to the challenge with a good save just before the end of the half. But it was stoppage time when the magic happened. Dundee were desperately pushing for an equaliser, and Gordon produced a stunning reflex save to claw away Emile Acquah’s downward header and secure a priceless 1-0 victory for Hearts. It was a moment of brilliance that preserved all three points and kept Hearts firmly in the title hunt and it may prove to be the pivotal moment for the Jambos come the end of the season. What made the save so special wasn’t just the timing in those dying seconds of a crucial match but also the sheer athleticism on display from the goalkeeper. After coming on from the bench and immediately having to deal with pressure moments, Gordon showed the kind of sharp reactions that defy expectations at his age. Fans and former players were quick to praise the Scotland international, comparing his late-game intervention to some of the greatest goalkeeping moments in the sport. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson said “Every player is running to congratulate Craig Gordon. That’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable”. That talk of “greatest saves” naturally brings us back to one of the defining moments of Gordon’s career, his incredible stop for Sunderland against Bolton Wanderers back in December 2010. In a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Gordon somehow managed to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight from point blank range in first-half stoppage time. That full-stretch save was later voted the best save in the first 20 years of the Premier League, an accolade that speaks volumes about its quality Craig Gordon continues to remind us why he’s one of the most respected goalkeepers of his generation and potentially a hero after Sunday’s game for Hearts.
Hearts Confirm Chesnokov Signing
Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of Islam Chesnokov, with the Kazakhstan international officially joining the club ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year-old arrives at Tynecastle after leaving FC Tobol Kostanay at the end of his contract. Hearts had agreed a pre-contract deal with Chesnokov in June 2025. The new signing primarily plays as a right-sided winger but is capable of playing across the forward line. He built a strong reputation at Tobol, where he was a regular starter and a consistent contributor. During his time at the club, he scored 29 goals in 92 games across all competitions. On the international stage, Chesnokov has 21 senior caps for the Kazakhstan national team, scoring 3 goals. The winger will wear squad number 99 and is expected to provide depth in wide attacking areas as Hearts continue their impressive domestic campaign so far. He joins an already strong attacking fleet of Lawrence Shankland, Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga, who have all been regular starters for Derek McInnes this season. Chesnokov becomes the Jambos’ second signing of the January transfer window after right back Jordi Altena completed his move last week.
