Robbie Neilson

MANAGER NOTES

Good evening and welcome from Tynecastle Park.

I’d like to extend a special welcome to the supporters in attendance tonight. It’s been a long 16 months since we last ran out to our own fans in Gorgie and it is no understatement when I say that we have missed their passion, enthusiasm and love for this club. Though the numbers may be limited this evening, hopefully this is the first step towards packing this stadium full in the near future.

It has also been a while since we last played competitive football, with last season ending in April. The players had a summer break and then we brought them back last month. They’ve trained well and I’ve been happy with the application and work ethic. Getting away to Largs for a week was great for team spirit and we’ve been able to get minutes on the pitch for everyone during a series of friendly matches.

On the pitch we’ve brought in Alex Cochrane from Brighton, secured Josh Ginnelly on a permanent deal and welcomed back Stephen Kingsley and Jordan Roberts from injury. Some of our young players have impressed in pre-season and will be knocking at the door of the first team this season.

Tonight we extend a warm welcome to Paul Hartley, the players and staff of Cove Rangers. Cove have made a flying to start to their SPFL journey and were unlucky not gain promotion from League One last season. In Paul they have an experienced manager, and someone who I know well, as will our supporters. This will be a testing encounter at this stage of the season, but it is one we’re looking forward to. We want to start the year with a bang and we want to give our fans something to shout about.

So if you’re here in person, or if you’re watching at home, I hope you enjoy the game.

Craig Gordon will lead the Jambos out of the tunnel tonight with the Captain’s armband proudly strapped to his arm, having recently been named Club Captain for the second time.

CAPTAIN GORDON

The boyhood Jambo captained his team during his first spell in Gorgie and has once again been handed Skipper duties following Steven Naismith’s retirement.

“For the second time, it’s a big honour. Everybody knows I grew up a Hearts fan. To come to the club, to play for them, was always a dream,” said Craig.

“To add on top of that winning a trophy and getting the captaincy, it’s been fantastic to come back here and achieve what we set out to achieve. Now, on top of that, to have the captaincy going forward is a huge honour for me.

“When I left here I was captain, I don’t even know how many years ago that was but it was a while ago. To come back, it’s a special place. It’s always a club I’ve looked out for no matter where I’ve been.

“It’s fantastic to get back here and to take that role on and try and improve and add my experience to the younger players coming through, and try and help the guys round about me, that’s the stage of my career I’m at now.

“It’s going to be a very enjoyable part of the last few years that I have left to do that and help some of the younger boys come through.”

Robbie Neilson had no qualms about handing his former teammate the armband ahead of his team’s return to the Premiership.

“Last season, I thought he did really well. He’s got brilliant experience, great leadership capabilities and he’s played at the highest level for a long, long time. “Obviously, he came through the Hearts academy system as well. I’m delighted to have him as the captain this season and I’m sure he’ll do well. “He’s very popular. He leads by example. He’s been over the course in football for a number of years, played at the highest level, played international and still playing international, he went away to the Euros which was great, and we hope he continues to play at that level for us for a number of years. “I think it’s always good to have the guys further back that can communicate. With Craig and his leadership skills you can see it about the place. He’s a top character and he’s definitely earned the job as captain for the club.”