Football Season Guide

Hearts enjoyed an excellent return to the top flight last season. Starting the season well, they cemented third place early on. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon was a standout, providing a solid base for the team to build on. McKay, Simmons and Boyce worked together to form a strong attacking line. Despite form tailing off late in the season, it was a good campaign overall. Hearts have made several key additions over the close season, using prize money and transfer fees to good effect. Forrest and Shankland add a new dimension to an attack that was weak at times last season. Neilson and Rowles are promising defensive additions. But the loss of key centre half Souttar on a free transfer is a huge blow to the club. Hearts have guaranteed European group stage to look forward to this campaign, either in the Europa League or Conference League. Their squad looks strong, but they will need to rotate heavily to manage both campaigns successfully. Good depth across the park sees Hearts in a good position for the new campaign. Minimal disruption to the squad means most players know each other well. The squad is slightly lacking in pace and wide areas and may need new signings to adjust quickly to fill the gaps.