Eleven Matches. That’s how long it had been since a victory had been recorded by Hearts, but on Saturday against Hibs the club seemed to confirm what most had been suspecting in recent days in Gorgie – the club had turned a corner, albeit a small one.
A small one yes, as while the win is crucial to the club’s chances of clawing themselves up the SPL table, the performance was anything but top standard. Indeed, there is still much improvement to be made at Hearts, but with the recent derby win the Jambos are now on the right track.
What differences are there then, with the performance of yesterday and that of Stevie Frail’s first match as temporary manager, the 4-1 capitulation to Dundee Utd? Consistency of selection it seems, is a factor in the players improved performance.
The promise to Steve Frail that he has full control over selection has signified a different outlook to Hearts’ starting XI. Ruben Palazuelos is a prime example – here`s a player who a few months ago was disillusioned with life at Tynecastle earlier in the season.
A new player seems to be born out of the ashes of the mass destruction of Hearts` season thus far, and judging by yesterdays performance he is a player who can get better and better with a strong run of games. His touch and creativity were impressive, especially for a player considered to be more of a defensive minded midfielder.
Andrius Velicka is another victim who has suffered from the rotation policy employed by Vladimir Romanov this season. A fan favourite, Velicka has been in and out of the Hearts team this season, despite leading the club’s goal-scoring chart for this season, hitting number 12 yesterday in the derby. A run of games for Velicka (providing Bolton don`t follow up their reported interest) could see the bulking Lithuanian storm the SPL scoring charts this year.
Stevie Frail’s side have the worst defensive record in the SPL this year apart from whipping boys Gretna, so the clean sheet recorded against Hibernian (their first since 3rd September) should give Berra and co in Hearts` defence some confidence in racking up more of the same and cancelling out the league’s top marksmen.
What therefore is the next logical step for Hearts? Do they really need to replace Frail as manager and appoint their 8th manager in three years? The answer should be a resounding ‘yes’. Whilst Frail is popular with the Hearts players and support, he is not quite experienced enough in the George Burley or Craig Levein bracket to seriously pull Hearts forward and out of the relegation zone. He has done extremely well under ridiculous circumstances at times and deserves a massive pat on the back, but a slight demotion down to the position of assistant will be a less stressful reward for the loyal Frail who was clearly happy when he became Caretaker manager on the first day of 2008:
‘My thoughts will count now. Over the next wee while I will be looking at ways we can beat different teams and whilst personnel will not change much I am hoping I can get a strong reaction out of my team’.
If he can continue consistent team selection and performances, then certainly the next few weeks could be an added stress-free bonus for Frail and his team.
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I see the point you’re making mate – progress takes time when the problems have been so deep-rooted. But we need a born-leader in there don’t we? Someone with a big enough personality to really get things going again.
Saturday was poor from an overall performance point of view but obviously very good in terms of result. I think we need to be realistic and accept that there may not be immediate giant leaps forward and we need to take baby steps until we gain a consistent winning attitude. I hope we do go into the transfer market but it could feel like new players if the confidence returns and our team displays the type of performance that we all know they are capable of.
Another ‘litmus’ test that the regime are letting Stevie Frail manage things without interference is the report today that Pilibaitis has left (loan period ended). If this does NOT get over-ruled by the regime, then we can be pleased that Frails aim to reduce the size of the squad (to allow some youngsters in) is being supported.
I agree with your views about Ruben. Its taken a while for him to show anything more than basic ability… but he and young Eggert are now a formidable pair of terriers in our midfield, who are also capable of starting and supporting attacks. Both are already miles better than Brellier.
Disagree strongly with your last comment there mate. Neither Ruben nor Jonsson have played nearly enough games for us to be talking in those terms, and indeed both are of a very different style to Brellier as well, so the comparison is probably an unfair one. These guys are improving though – for me Ruben needs to do more for me to be as impressed with him as others are though.
lets hope they don’t stop
and it’s queens park rangers