CaleyD

Good idea, but out of date the moment one of them leaves.

No excuse really as the conditions are the same for both, but that must be one of the heaviest looking pitches I've seen in a long time. Took a wee wander out on to the edge of it before kick-off and it was soft and sticky. Coming off the back of last weeks match where the guys spent everything, it probably wasn't something they were relishing....one or two certainly looked like they still had a little lead in their boots, but not surprising. Some credit has to go to Stranraer as they put in a shift to nullify our game plan. In saying that, both their goals came from errors on our part and without those then I doubt they would have got anything as they simply weren't creating from open play. Awaiting confirmation on the replay. Was suggested that it would be moved to the Monday for TV due to Champions League on Tue/Wed.

Hugh Keevins article - http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hugh-keevins-hope-hearts-make-3104525

I suspected his comments re "nobody really liking us" would be taken out of context when I was listening to him give the interview. What he was talking to the press about was the fact that other teams don't like to play against us. The Aberdeen thing is as discussed above. The Heroes thing...he was lead into that by the question and how it was put to him. Probably should have dodged it, but hey ho!

IMO, what we saw with Nick yesterday was an already decent player with a bit more than we've seen already....and I don't think it's a coincidence that we're seeing that after he (and others) have had a bit of time working with Latapy. Also interesting to note in Yogi's post match interview that the decision to throw Nick on at the end came about as a result of Latapy being in his ear telling him that he (Nick) was the guy who could get the goal we needed. What was also clear to me is that Yogi learned something from the Killie game. We played some nice football in that game, but lacked the physical presence to drive through the final third, or control the midfield enough to prevent them backing off and/or battling through us in the opposite direction. In his (Yogi's) defence he was on to a potential loser no matter what he did at Killie...change a winning team and it doesn't work, then you get slated...don't change it, leave (previously) key players on the bench and it doesn't work, they you get slated. The Killie result, aside from putting a rocket up the butt of the players, probably made it a little easier for Yogi to change things around...even though it must have been tough to tell guys like Carl & Nick that they would be on the bench. I don't buy into the argument or logic that Nick Ross (or anyone else) will struggle to hold down a spot in the starting XI from here on. Unlike his predecessor, Yogi is showing that he's willing to look ahead to games and make squad decisions based on the opposition and circumstances. He's getting to know and understand the players and with an almost fully fit squad he's totally in control of who he puts out and how he sets things up. I think the last thing he will do is settle in to any kind of pre-determined XI and, as backwards as it sounds, I think one or two changes in each game will be what brings a bit more (positive) consistency to results....as well as making sure we've got a squad who are all getting a bit of match time and are ready to step in if/when needed.

The rules have changed from last season on cards/suspensions. A straight red card in the league cup is an instant 2 match suspension. First suspension is to be served in the clubs next match, irrespective of which competition (Stranraer game in this instance). And the second suspension is to be served in the league cup itself. Reports that Josh is already on a yellow from a previous League Cup match are inaccurate (he has one in the Scottish Cup), so if the appeal (which will go ahead) is successful and the red card is rescinded or downgraded to a yellow then he will be available for the final. If not, then he misses it. Having spent a large part of the day pouring over the rule book and looking at video, I am of the personal opinion that there's nothing in the challenge to constitute Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct....both of which are clearly defined as including excessive force or brutality. At worst, what he did would fall within the confines of "Committing a technical foul designed to impede a promising attack" and FIFA Guidelines clearly state that is a yellow card offence unless it denies a goal or clear goal scoring opportunity....which it couldn't have since it was over 70 yards from our goal and we had 4 players between there and the incident. If the SFA follow the rulebook and associated guidelines, then I fail to see how they can uphold the red card....but again, that is just my personal opinion. Warren was already on a yellow card from the D.Utd match, so a single yellow saw him suspended for the final. Even if the club were to try and appeal the yellows (and it is possible in certain circumstances) then it's very unlikely they would get both rescinded so the second yellow (in hindsight and given the outcome of the game) means little.

I confirmed it with the club when it was being discussed earlier in the thread.

The club have compiled the information on Tickets, Travel, Parking etc into a single online article which can be located at http://ictfc.com/news/club-news/1177-league-cup-semi-final-info It is not certain that tickets will be available on the day of the game, so everyone should purchase in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01463 227451, online at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/ictfc/default.aspx or in person a TCS. Tickets purchased over the phone or online can be collected from TCS in advance or from Easter Road on Sunday.

Those not able to download the list from the above link can get it by CLICKING HERE

The whole point of the "One Out, One In" sanction is to prevent them increasing the wage bill....can't see the SPFL finding it acceptable that they are simply removing a player registration and not the wage. Should also be noted that the SFA could still extend their embargo with Hearts still being in administration.

Thought this may be of interest - http://ictfc.com/news/club-news/1174-young-presenter-competition

Over 6 weeks on and some people still living in the land of "Coulda, Should, Woulda".

Mckay...small "k"

It's Mckay...small "k" Why does the price only go up as far as £3 Million? His value should be set at what we think he is worth plus the cost of a replacement, especially as we don't have anyone to step in already on the books.

All we need now is rumours of dressing room bust ups and we'll be able to move on to the news that they have left by mutual consent for family reasons.

I'd buy a gold plated scoreboard.

Always a dangerous business to let leak information on targets as it doesn't look very good when they reject your advances.

Someone seems to have mistaken knowledge, understanding and appreciation for "Blind and unquestioning loyalty".

Why are some people so intent in reading negatives into everything? Player are given offers and often mull them over for a few weeks, speak to agents, family etc. before making any decision.

Is the Rumour Mill section broken?

If Hearts are so concerned for player safety, then why did they not exercise the option available to every club of taking a 2 week break in January?

Our best periods of success have come at times when we've had most stability within the squad. As well as stability on the pitch, it also allows for stability and planning off the pitch when creating business plans and spending forecasts etc. All in all, far more positives to be taken from it than anything else.

It's positivity such as this that adds real value to every conversation on this forum at the moment.

I liked this post purely on the basis that you spelled Mckay correctly with the small "k".