Hearts Archives - Page 4 of 13

Hearts continue to answer as title race edges towards conclusion

Derek McInnes believes anyone questioning his side’s mentality, “hasn’t been watching”, as Hearts turn their attention to Fir Park on Saturday evening. Hearts sit on the edge of immortality, aiming to break the Old Firm’s domestic dominance for the first time since 1985, but McInnes insists his only focus is Motherwell, who will pose another test for his side. “We can’t get obsessed with all the different connotations and what happens there if we win that one and they win that one, “They haven’t beaten us this season, but they’ve been problematic for most teams. In all three games they could have beaten us, but we’ve managed to do our job well enough for long enough in all the games to pick up points.” Hearts came from a goal down on Monday evening, delivering a haymaker blow to Rangers’ title charge. McInnes’ lauded his side’s consistent ability to manage the expectations in Gorgie. “It goes without saying, regardless of how this season plays out, you don’t, at Hearts, get to 76 points with three games to go if you’ve not got a good mentality, because there’s pressures at this club that you need to deal with. “There’s an insistence on winning games here and an expectation, so the players have answered that time and time again.” “Normally, days off can be a chance to switch off, but with the greatest will in the world, it’s hard to do that at the minute, particularly because there’s not many training days now.” A pivotal ten days await the Jambos, with trips to Fir Park and Parkhead sandwiched between Falkirk’s visit to Tynecastle. McInnes’ side will no doubt continue to relish their title challenge. “Now we’re going to have three games in a week that, for all we’ve done, will decide how it all plays out.”

May 7, 2026

“Now it’s Motherwell” – Braga and co focused on Fir Park after seismic win

PFA Player of the Season and Hearts star Claudio Braga has urged his teammates to remain “professional” after reestablishing their three-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. A second-half comeback against Rangers extends the Jambo’s unbeaten home league run and secured a club-record points tally of 76. Speaking at full-time, Braga described their latest triumph as “crazy”. “We were all in the locker room, everybody was looking at each other, like ‘it’s three games to go and we are still top of the league’. “It’s not even easy to describe it with words, I’m not going to lie. It’s just a crazy feeling.” The Portuguese star has been a fan favourite in Gorgie, and insists that managing the excitement of their title challenge can be difficult. “It’s hard, I’m not going to lie, but we try to be as professional as we can,” “It’s been a long time that people have been saying that maybe this could be possible. “We’ve already had that [outside noise], and through the championship we have just taken it game by game. We dealt with Rangers, and now it’s Motherwell, and that’s it. We don’t care about Falkirk or Celtic for now, and hopefully we win that game, and then we go for the next one.”

May 5, 2026

Late Spittal Strike Seals Derby Victory for Hearts

Hearts secured a dramatic and potentially decisive 2–1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road in a fiercely contested Edinburgh Derby on Sunday afternoon, strengthening their grip on the Scottish Premiership title race. The match began at a relentless pace, with Hibernian striking first through Martin Boyle, who gave the home side an early lead. However, the game turned sharply just 14 minutes in when Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area, leaving the hosts with only ten men. Despite their disadvantage, Hibernian held onto their lead through to half-time. Their defensive effort was further tested early in the second half when Felix Passlack received a second yellow card, reducing Hibs to nine players and setting the stage for sustained Hearts pressure. Hearts struggled initially to break down a determined Hibernian defence but gradually began to assert control. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when the equaliser arrived via a deflection, officially recorded as an own goal by Warren O’Hora, following a cross in by Sabah Kerjota. Hearts continued to press for a winner. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Blair Spittal found the net, completing a crucial turnaround for the visitors. The result sees Hearts move clear at the top of the table, capitalising on title challengers Rangers’ defeat earlier in the day and maintaining their advantage over Celtic. For Hibernian, the defeat was a bitter blow, particularly given their early lead and determined performance despite being reduced to nine men. Hibernian: Sallinger (3), O’Hora (5), Bushiri (6), Obita (6), Passlack (4), Barlasser (5), Chaiwa (4), N. Cadden (3), McGrath (6), Boyle (6), Elding (5) Substitutions: Smith (5), Megwa (4), Newell (4), Campbell (5), Suto (4), Hearts: Schwolow (7), Findlay (8), Halkett (8), Steinwender (7), Kingsley (8), Baningime (7), Leonard (8), Altena (7), Braga (7), Kabore (7), Shankland (8) Substitutions: Kerjota (8), Spittal (8), Kyziridis (7), McCart (4), Chesnokov (4)

April 29, 2026

Hearts and Motherwell dominate all PFA Scotland Player Of The Year spots

Hearts and Motherwell’s impressive form this season earns them all the glory in this years PFA Scotland Player Of The Year awards. The Steelmen and Jambos also controlled the TOTY with a combined nine players from both clubs included. It’s Hearts’ duo Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga who earn their well-deserved places among the nominees. For Motherwell, Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just represent The Steelmen. Shankland and Braga have a combined 27 league goals between them, taking into consideration Shankland spent a period of time on the sidelines with an injury. However, both these players are going to be a massive factor in Hearts’ push for league glory, as they sit three points ahead of Celtic with only four games remaining. Motherwell’s talisman Maswanhise leads the goalscoring charts this season, with 17 goals to his name in the league and 22 in all competitions. Elijah Just has also been remarkable in what has been a fantastic season for himself and Motherwell. Just has seven goals and seven assists to his name for the league campaign. But not only does he contribute to Motherwell’s goals, his movement and passing play has been exceptional. All four players have had massive moments in this season so far, but with the league table still so tight, there is time for someone to prove decisive.

April 27, 2026

Hearts: Edinburgh Derby Preview

Derek McInnes has provided important updates ahead of the final Edinburgh Derby this season. Speaking with media today the Hearts boss was asked about the team’s recent trip to Spain for a training camp ahead of the final five games. He said “I think it was exactly what we hoped it would be, to be honest. It was a nice, calm environment. Obviously we wanted to try and get away for loads of reasons” “But we knew what’s ahead of us. It’s the kind of calm before the storm. All the focus and all the spotlight on the season” “You know we tried to top up work into some of the lads that needed it. As I said before, pitches were good, environment was good, and we came back on Friday ready to set about this week” “It’s such an important week for us, an important game so going the right way” “Harry Milne is progressing well, neither in or out for the weekend. If the weekend comes to soon for him then hopefully he will be fit for the next game against Rangers” He also provided an injury update on Oisin McEntee who required scan whilst the team were abroad. He confirmed the Irishman will miss out of the remainder of the season saying “Unfortunately, Oisin got bad news on the scan and will be out for the season, which is a real blow for us.” “We had a few days to deal with that and let that sink in, on top of Tomas Magnusson being out. So, we have to deal with that.” “We’ve dealt with key players being injured before. Both Oisin and Tomas give us real strength. It gives us real reliability, and they give us that real competitive nature, which your team always wants to have.” “I’m trying to focus on the ones I have available and as harsh as that is, we need to deal with the games without these boys.” McInnes also reflected on the season overall as well stating “I’m just so proud of the players for getting us in this position.” ”Because a lot has been said about how we arrived at this situation, the boardroom support, Jamestown and all the rest of it. But the players have been the biggest driver in all of this to get us to where we are.” “70 points is a great number to get to going into the split. I think it’s the first time Hearts have done that at this stage, the quickest we’ve got to that.” ”The first team outwith Rangers and Celtic to be top, going into the split. The players have done so well to get us here. We just want to try and enjoy it now and finish off the job.” With only five games remaining and with the top three teams being so close on points, Hearts will be looking to start of their split campaign strong with a victory against their rivals.

April 22, 2026

The Edinburgh Derby: Tight, Tense, and Decided by Moments

The Edinburgh derby does not need hype. It creates its own. Hearts vs Hibernian is always loud, tense, and emotional. But in the 2025/26 season, these games have come down to something even more powerful. Small moments. The kind that decide everything. So far this season, the two sides have gone toe-to-toe in tight, hard fought matches. No easy wins. Just games decided by the finest margins. The first derby in October was a perfect example. It looked like it was heading for a draw. Then, late in the game, Hearts struck. One chance taken. A 1–0 win. Simple, but massive. It showed exactly what Hearts are about this season, patience, control, and taking chances when they appear. December told a different story. This time it was Hibernian who brought the energy. They attacked quickly, moved the ball with confidence, and caused problems all game. The result was a thrilling 3–2 win. For Hibs, it was a reminder of how dangerous they can be when everything clicks. Then came February. Back to Tynecastle. Back to tension, and once again, Hearts found the edge. Another 1–0 win. Another game decided by a single moment. It was not flashy, but it was strong, controlled, and effective. Three games. Two Hearts wins. One Hibs win. All close. All intense. All decided by moments that could easily have gone the other way. Hearts, under Derek McInnes, have built their season on being solid and reliable. They do not panic. They stay organised. They make games difficult for opponents. Most importantly, they know how to win tight matches. That is why they are right up at the top of the table, pushing for the title. They might not always dominate, but they get the job done. Hibernian, led by David Gray, have shown flashes of real quality. At their best, they are quick, sharp, and exciting to watch. The December derby proved that. But their challenge has been consistency. One week they look brilliant, the next they struggle to keep that same level. Their season has been about building, improving, and trying to climb higher. Looking ahead, the stakes are clear. Hearts are chasing the title. Every point is huge. Every win gives them belief and momentum. Hibernian are fighting to finish as high as they can and looking for a european place. A strong derby result is not just about points, it is about confidence and showing progress. This fixture has a lot of history. But this one is about right now. Both teams are fighting for high achievement. This season, the Edinburgh derby has been intense and unpredictable. No team has had full control. No game has been comfortable. It always feels like it could turn in an instant.

April 20, 2026

Hearts Linked with Tom Renaud as Summer Plans Take Shape

Heart of Midlothian have been linked with a move for French midfielder Tom Renaud, with reports suggesting the club are exploring a deal ahead of the summer window. The 25-year-old, currently playing for FC Versailles in France’s third tier, is said to be on Hearts’ radar as they look to strengthen their squad. Renaud primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing in central defence. That flexibility appears to fit well with Hearts’ current recruitment approach, which has focused on players who can cover multiple roles and adapt to different systems. With squad depth becoming more important across a long season, this type of signing could prove useful. In terms of performance, Renaud has been a consistent presence for Versailles. During the current campaign, he has featured regularly in the starting lineup. Contributing both defensively and in build-up play. While he is not known for high goal or assist numbers, his strengths lie in positioning, and maintaining possession. Reports from the French league highlight his solid passing accuracy and ability to break up opposition attacks, key traits for a holding midfielder. Hearts have increasingly looked beyond the UK market in recent transfer windows, targeting players in European leagues who may offer more value and potential for development. Renaud fits that profile. At 25, he is entering his peak years and could offer both immediate impact and room for growth within the squad. At this stage, the move remains a rumour rather than a confirmed transfer. However, the link does align with the club’s recent recruitment pattern and long-term planning. If discussions progress, Renaud could become one of the first additions of the summer as Hearts aim to build a squad capable of competing strongly in domestic competitions and pushing for consistency at the top end of the table.

April 19, 2026

McInnes praises “calm” Hearts after Motherwell fightback

Derek McInnes believes Hearts’ ability to manage the “anxiety” of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Motherwell was crucial, as the Jambos reached 70 points and remained atop the Scottish Premiership heading into the split. Goals from Lawrence Shankland, Claudio Braga, and Pierre Landry Kabore settled a comeback victory for Hearts. Speaking at full-time, McInnes lauded his side’s performance in a “fiercely contested” battle. “I think we saw a lot of the good in both teams. Some things we could do better, Motherwell will be disappointed at one or two of their bigger chances. “But I thought we were the better team in the first half. We shaded it just in terms of Motherwell didn’t really connect the game they normally do. “But they did get a couple of shots from the edge of the box. They are good at creating that space in front of centre-halfs. “They caused us a bit of anxiety with their speed. Longelo, Maswanhise, Just and Said, they are all lovely footballers, but I thought in the main we dealt with it really well. “It has hard to keep a good team round and there was a feeling when we went 1-0 down, we had it all to do.” A tactical switch proved key for McInnes, with his side chasing the game after Emmanuel Longelo’s low finish in the 50th minute. “It was important we stayed calm. I reverted to my 4-4-2. Sometimes it is good to go back to the familiar, but it gave them more control in the middle of the park, so we reverted back and I thought we were far better. “We had some good moments, I thought my subs did well and obviously a great goal from [Claudio] Braga gets us back on our way. “Nobody was settling for 1-1. We tried to put stress on their back line. I wasn’t sure about the penalty, but everyone who’s seen it back says it is a penalty – he gets kicked in the head. “Lawrence Shankland tucks it away brilliantly and Kabore finishes it off. So your three strikers scoring. We were strong in the last 10 minutes to see it out for a great three points.” Shankland expressed his own excitement for the final month of this gripping title race. “It’ll make for a brilliant end to the season for Scottish football in general, but we’ll just look to go and win as many games as we can, and if we do that, we could be in a really good place. ” When we started out the season, you had an idea that we were a strong side and had a good feeling about the place. “We’ve managed to carry that through, got a lot of positive results and are still sitting in a good position come April and getting into May. We can be excited, there’s a lot to be excited about. “A lot of big games coming up and it’s just about getting ready for them.” The Hearts captain has featured in all three matches against Motherwell this season, and appreciates the challenge that Jens Berthel Askou’s side provide. “They’re a good side and they cause you problems,” he said. “It was just about dealing with that throughout the majority of the game. “We dealt with a lot of it pretty well, but when they have that much of the ball, they are going to have moments where they threaten a goal. “They went 1-0 up, and it’s just about character from there.”

April 12, 2026

Hearts 3-1 Motherwell: Jambos remain top as split awaits

Hearts leave it late, but pick up all three points to keep themselves top of the league going into the split. It was Lawrence Shankland who had the first opportunity of the match, when he picked up from a poor Stephen Welsh clearance. However, his effort drifted wide of Callum Ward’s goal. Motherwell quickly settled into the game, with Tawanda Maswanhise running down the wing and putting a dangerous cross into Hearts’ territory. No Motherwell player was in the box to convert, and it was put over the crossbar unconvincingly by Oisin McEntee. Hearts continued their pressure on the Motherwell backline. Callum Ward had a heart-in-mouth moment, as he spent too much time on the ball, allowing Claudio Braga to intercept, but Motherwell’s Stephen Welsh was there to clear any danger. In the 20th minute, Hearts had a great opportunity to open the scoring, as Oisin McEntee’s header was almost certain to hit the net. However, an outstanding save from Ward denied the Hearts full-back. End-to-end stuff at Tynecastle, saw Elliot Watt’s rocket effort parried away by Alexander Schwolow in the Hearts goal, after a promising Steelmen counter-attack. Another fantastic save in the 28th minute by Schwolow, as Ibrahim Said’s long-distance shot was parried and collected before Emmanuel Longelo could have any chance of earning a rebound. 31 minutes on the clock, saw Hearts produce a move off the training ground from a free-kick. The final chance fell to Blair Spittal, but his effort sailed just wide of the post. Tensions rose around Tynecastle, as many stoppages of play from referee Matthew MacDermid frustrated the Hearts crowd. Maswanhise had the first chance after the interval, as a looped cross fell to the back post. But his poor effort didn’t challenge Schwolow. It wasn’t long before Motherwell opened the scoring. A well-worked passage of play saw Lukas Fadinger’s cross fall to the back post for Longelo to tap home into the net, putting the away end into frenzy. Motherwell continued their good spell with a counter-attack that almost paid off. Maswanhise’s low-driven effort drifted slightly past Schwolow’s net, causing anxiety amongst the Hearts support. Hearts equalised in the 60th minute, when Stuart Findlay’s header from a corner landed to Claudio Braga, who pulled off an acrobatic effort which fell into the bottom left corner of Ward’s net. Putting the Portuguese international at 14 goals for the season in the league. Emmanuel Longelo had a fantastic opportunity to double his scoring in the 71st minute, as Elijah Just was given acres of space in the middle of the pitch, which allowed him to give the ball to Maswanhise out wide. Maswanhise’s cross fell to Longelo at the back post, but he was unable to punish. And shortly afterwards, Maswanhise had a wonderful chance to certainly make it two. The top goalscorer in the league found himself one-on-one with Schwolow, but the Motherwell talisman somehow failed to trouble the Hearts goalkeeper as his chance went wide. Hearts were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, after Stephen Welsh kicked Landy Kabore on the head. Lawrence Shankland stepped up from the spot, and the Hearts talisman converted off the inside of the post and into the back of the net, to give Hearts an almighty lead in this fascinating title race. Landry Kabore sealed the win in the dying minutes of the match, as his game-winning effort snuck under Callum Ward’s arm, sending Tynecastle into eruption. Another three points for Hearts and Derek McInnes means they remain on top of the league going into the split with only five games to play. Hearts also reached 70 points this afternoon with five games remaining, the second time they have ever done so in the top-flight. For Motherwell, it’s no win in five matches going into the split. However, Hibs also dropped points in Aberdeen this afternoon, which means they remain in fourth place. Hearts: Schwolow (6), Kingsley (6), Halkett (6), Baningime (6), Shankland (8), Braga (8), Devlin (7), Spittal (6), Findlay (6), McEntee (5), Kyziridis (4) Subs: Kabore (8), Kerjota (5), Altena (5), Steinwender (4), McCart (1) Motherwell: Ward (6), O’Donnell (6), Sparrow (5), Fadinger (5), McGinn (6), Maswanhise (5), Watt (7), Just (7), Longelo (7), Welsh (6), Said (6) Subs: McGhee (1), Hendry (1), Nicholson (1), Priestman (1)

April 11, 2026

Hearts v Motherwell – Match Preview

A massive match for both teams, as Hearts look to extend their lead at the top of the table against Motherwell, who haven’t won in four. It was a thriller the last time these two sides met at Tynecastle, the result ending 3-3. And that was just the start of what was going to be a fantastic season for both. Hearts have remained on top of the table for much of the season. However, their colossal lead at the top has been cut down to just one point with six games remaining. But Hearts have shown over the course of the league campaign that any setbacks will not phase them. And after last weekends draw with bottom of the table Livingston, which will feel like a defeat to the Hearts squad and support, it’s so important that three points are collected in the final fixture before the split. On a positive note for Hearts, they remain undefeated in the league at Tynecastle this season, which shows how much of an important factor the Hearts fans are in the race for their first league title in 66 years. Hearts player to watch: Lawrence Shankland For Motherwell, they have also had a remarkable season. Jens Berthel Askou has certainly changed Motherwell’s technical brand, as they have been playing some of the best football the country has seen in a long time. The Steelmen currently sit in fourth place, three points ahead of Hibs. And they have the chance to cause damage in Hearts’ title challenge on Saturday afternoon. Although Motherwell have only picked up one point in four matches, the quality on show throughout the season from Askou’s side expresses that they will be coming to Edinburgh in hope to get back to winning ways. Motherwell player to watch: Elijah Just

April 10, 2026