St Johnstone sign striker Kirk from Heartspublished at 19:58 19 July
19:58 19 July
Image source, SNS
St Johnstone have signed striker Makenzie Kirk from Heart of Midlothian for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old, who is the son of Saints' assistant manager Andy Kirk, scored 43 goals in 48 games for Hearts B in the Lowland League.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hamilton Academical, making eight appearances without finding the net.
"I love to score goals, get in behind and work hard off the ball," Kirk told the Perth club's website. "That is what you get from me.
"You have to be there to score goals and that is one thing I have always been good at. I like to get on the end of things and put it in the back of the net."
Who have Hearts brought in & let go this summer?published at 19:06 19 July
19:06 19 July
In: Musa Drammeh, forward (Sevilla); Yan Dhanda, midfielder (Ross County); Blair Spittal, midfielder (Motherwell); James Penrice, defender (Livingston); Daniel Oyegoke, defender (Bradford City, undisclosed); Kenneth Vargas, forward (Herediano, loan to permanent); Ryan Fulton, goalkeeper (Hamilton Academical).
Read the Scottish Premiership ins & outs in full here.
Tremendous Taylor stars against Spurspublished at 12:52 19 July
12:52 19 July
Amy Canavan BBC Sport Scotland at Tynecastle
Image source, SNS
Not even 30 minutes into his Hearts debut, Gerald Taylor was being heralded as Hearts' signing of the season in the stand behind me.
A bold call, but anyone who witnessed his first half performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday would understand why.
The Costa Rica international was a joy to watch down the right flank. Confidence flowing, not once did he shy from getting stuck in.
Steven Naismith spoke of his "aggressiveness" before he arrived, and it was displayed in abundance. One doesn't think he'll find the rough and tumble of the Scottish Premiership too much to handle.
With that aggression also came a directness. He denied one promising Spurs move and cleared a certain goal at the back-post too.
A defender who likes to defend, but one who is also comfortable galloping down the wing and swinging a cross into the box.
On another night, perhaps if Lawrence Shankland was waiting for the delivery, Taylor would have had two assists as his delicious crosses were pin-point. Kyosuke Tagawa however failed to fire home.
As fine a welcome as one could hope for, particularly against an established Premier League side; the Hearts faithful are rightly excited about their new right-back.
'Dundee eye loan for Charlton's Fraser' - gossippublished at 09:25 19 July
09:25 19 July
Dundee are keen on a move to take Scott Fraser on loan from Charlton Athletic after the 29-year-old ended last season with Heart of Midlothian. (Daily Record, print edition)
Ethan Ingram has revealed that fellow full-back Owen Beck's success with Dundee on loan from Liverpool last season was key when joining the Dens Park club and rejecting a new contract with West Bromwich Albion. (The Courier), external
'We carried a real threat against a dynamic team'published at 11:17 18 July
11:17 18 July
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Steven Naismith said Hearts' pre-season friendly defeat against Tottenham Hotspur was "a brilliant test" for his young squad and he has "plenty of positives" to take from it.
Hearts frustrated the Premier League heavyweights in the first half and could have taken the lead on a few occasions but lacked the clinical edge to do so.
When the changes flooded in from half-time onwards, the game turned in Tottenham's favour and they ran rampant, but the head coach was far from downbeat afterwards.
"There were loads of positives, especially in the first half," he told BBC Scotland.
"We knew the type of game it was going to be, it's probably one of the examples we might face in Europe, against the the Old Firm it's similar, and I thought we done that really well.
"I was pleased that we carried a threat against such a good team, they're probably one of the most dynamic teams in England, never mind anywhere in Scotland, and it's a big challenge. Their movements off the ball are really sharp with very intelligent players and we dealt with that really well.
"The game became a bit stretched as it went on and they're bringing younger players on who they've spent millions on and we've got some of our kids who are just in the door full-time.
"I remember when I was starting out and you were coming up against Premier League teams and there's that excitement because you've watched them on television over the years.
"To test yourself against the best in the world is a rare opportunity for a lot, but when your're starting out in your career it can develop very, very quickly that you're sharing a pitch with these guys so it gives them a real understanding of what the top level is.
"It's a brilliant test for us."
Hearts outmuscled by superb Spurspublished at 20:58 17 July
20:58 17 July
Amy Canavan BBC Sport Scotland at Tynecastle
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Mikey Moore scored Spurs' third goal at Tynecastle
Hearts fell to their second defeat of pre-season, losing 5-1 despite an at-times impressive performance against Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur.
Brennan Johnson tucked in the opener after patient build-up play for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
But the visitors rode their luck before that as Kyosuke Tagawa twice squandered inviting opportunities and goalkeeper Brandon Austin magnificently denied Yutaro Oda with a sensational save.
While potency was missing in the first half, it was evident less than a minute into the second. A half-time substitute – along with Zander Clark and Barrie McKay – Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland slammed home after a defensive howler from Emerson Royal.
He was one of 11 changes at the break for the visitors and it did not take long for Spurs to find their stride again.
William Lankshear slotted beyond Clark after latching on to a delicious threaded through pass from Djed Spence to restore their lead and it was extended by Mikey Moore in another tidy move that ripped the Hearts defence apart.
It was a defence that lost Frankie Kent in the first-half after he took a James Maddison free-kick flush to the face.
There was a bright light in the backline, though, with Costa Rica international Gerald Taylor, on loan from Derportivo Saprissa, being a constant threat down the right flank in his first hour as a Hearts player.
His departure was notable and Spurs’ fourth came from another dangerous cross down their left. The ball was poked beyond Clark in a congested six-yard box, with Spence being credited with the final touch.
On his return to Scotland, Postecoglou witnessed a five-goal performance from his side as Ashley Williams added a late fifth from close-range at the back-post.
'Good deal all round' as Cochrane leaves to join Birminghampublished at 14:15 16 July
14:15 16 July
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Steven Naismith has praised Alex Cochrane for showing "maturity to focus on his game" in his final year as a Hearts player.
The head coach revealed he had talks 12 months ago with the full-back about "picking the right moment" to depart Tynecastle.
That moment has now come, with 24-year-old Cochrane joining Birmingham City for a fee of around £1.3m with add-ons.
"Alex has done really well for us since joining three years ago, and we’ve been really good for Alex so it’s no surprise that there was interest in him," said Naismith.
"It’s important for the club that we are able to identify players who can take the team forward and, if the opportunity presents itself further down the line, we make a significant return on our investment.
"It’s a good deal all round. It’s good for the club and it’s good for Alex. He leaves with our best wishes."
Naismith on Cochrane move, player budget & Postecogloupublished at 17:15 15 July
17:15 15 July
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Prior to their pre-season friendly with Tottenham, Hearts boss Steven Naismith has been discussing a range of topics, including transfers in and out of Tynecastle.
Here are the best bits:
On Alex Cochrane's potential move to Birmingham...
"It's in the works. It's a football business decision that makes sense.
"I think every club in Scotland are in that bracket that if good offers come in for your players, they need to be considered. I think it's a good model, us as a club haven't been good enough at it in previous years.
"Alex came in and improved Hearts and this is the outcome of it, so it's a good deal for everybody."
On attracting new players to Hearts...
"There is a lot about the club to make it attractive.
"On the football side of it you've got a great stadium, a well supported club, there's a demand, we've got European football.
"You get good exposure and that gives you an opportunity to come in and play regularly, and if you're successful you never know what can happen."
On budget for incomings...
"Any conversation I have had with the club has been that if we identify a player we think is the right one, is a good prospect and can be developed and progress, then the club say they'll back that and go for it.
"I don't think one sale makes it that we have a pot of money.
"We've always tried to identify players and to have brought six or seven players shows we're trying to do our business quickly."
On interest in Toby Sibbick and Nathaniel Atkinson...
"There have been a couple of conversations had, nothing to give any more information on but I would expect there to be movement over the course of the weeks coming up."
On Ange Postecoglou's move down south...
"I think he took a lot of people by surprise at the start, as he did in Scotland.
"He stuck to his principles and he probably didn't get the credit for the season Spurs had. From where they were to last season was a massive turnaround.
"I think he's been good for Scottish football as well as English football."
Hearts to sell Cochrane to Birmingham Citypublished at 09:23 14 July
09:23 14 July
Hearts have accepted a bid in excess of £1m from Birmingham City for left-back Alex Cochrane. (Scotsman), external
Hearts suffer pre-season defeat to Leyton Orientpublished at 19:56 13 July
19:56 13 July
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Hearts' pre-season preparations continued with a 2-1 defeat to Leyton Orient.
Liam Boyce netted an early opener for the hosts at Tynecastle, but the English League One side equalised through Jordan Brown's header.
And Orient took an early lead in the second half when ex-St Johnstone forward Diallang Jaiyesimi slammed in on the rebound.
Hearts welcome Premier League club Tottenham on Wednesday.
'Naismith relaxed over new signings' - gossippublished at 10:03 13 July
10:03 13 July
Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith is relaxed over new signings, saying their are no gaps desperately needing filled in his squad. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
'Finishing third is a minimum' published at 17:09 11 July
17:09 11 July
Hearts fans, we asked for your views on what would make this season a successful one.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Chris: I don’t think any team has had as good a pre-season as us. Signings in early, good camp in Spain and no key players have left yet, which should, on paper, make us stronger. I expect a much stronger Hibs and Aberdeen next season so I’d be happy with third again, the reality is the Old Firm are able to spend themselves away from us.
George: Continued progress for Hearts should at least be competing for a top-two finish and a cup final win, anything less wouldn't satisfy a support that deserves some success for the years of fantastic support.
Steve: Finishing third is a minimum, getting closer to second place and consistently giving the Old Firm close games. A decent cup run but again depends on a favourable draw and more victories in Europe. Most importantly a settled side.
Dave: Third place again and keep the momentum and the building of a strong squad going. Tie Lawrence Shankland down to a new contract and build some youth into the first team in cup competitions, and start with beating Rangers as well.
Chris: A top-half finish is a successful season. The squad is small and lacks talent or capability to rotate as per last time in European competition, we don't have a team to compete in multiple competitions, not that looking for third in a league can ever be called competing. It all hinges on Shankland and his goals, if he leaves Hearts, then we are doomed to bottom-six.
Derek: A strong third place, qualifying for Europe again and lifting a cup would be a great season - cutting the distance to the Old Firm would be good as well! A decent run in both cups is essential, but to lift one would be magic, and a sign that we're on the right track.
What would be a successful season for Hearts?published at 22:09 10 July
22:09 10 July
Hearts fans, after last season's third-place Premiership finish, what do you think would constitute a successful season this time around?
More of the same, or do you want to see progress in the cups and in Europe?
Hearts sign Costa Rica international Taylor on loanpublished at 16:22 10 July
16:22 10 July
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Taylor (left) has won seven caps for his country
Hearts have signed Costa Rican defender Gerald Taylor from Deportivo Saprissa on a season-long loan deal.
The 23-year-old also plays with Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas at international level, and the Tynecastle club say he is "regarded as one of his country’s rising stars".
"A lot of work has been done on this deal so it’s fantastic that we’re now able to welcome Gerald to the club," head coach Steven Naismith said.
"You look at what Gerald has crammed into his career at such a young age – league titles, continental experience, international caps – and it’s clear to see that he is a winner.
"His hard work, along with his talent, has got him to where he is today and I think the exciting thing is that there is more to come from him.
"Being an international teammate of Kenneth is a bonus in that he will be able to help Gerald settle, and we’ll also give him time and the benefit of our experience to ensure that he continues his trajectory and becomes a success at Hearts."
New Hearts signings can 'ease Shankland burden'published at 13:49 10 July
13:49 10 July
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HeartsTV commentator Laurie Dunsire is excited about the new club's new signings even if they're not "glamourous".
Steven Naismith has already welcomed Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice this summer from Motherwell, Ross County and Livingston, respectively.
"I think Penrice, Spittal and Dhanda all coming in from Premiership clubs, they've performed relatively well for each of those teams," Dunsire told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I think to have those added attacking options that will hopefully release a little bit of the burden from [Lawrence] Shankland and maybe give him a bit more impetus to get even more goals and chances.
"Right now he's often the chief creator and the chief scorer, which is pretty tough to do.
"Maybe some people will say signing from Ross County and Motherwell aren't the glamour signings you're looking for but these players have done it in this league.
"There's no reason why they shouldn't be able to step up to play for Hearts and do even better than what they've been doing for the likes of Livingston, Ross County and Motherwell."
'Shankland so much more than a goalscorer'published at 11:37 10 July
11:37 10 July
Media caption,
Former Hearts man Ryan Stevenson tells the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast that Lawrence Shankland's teammates need to step up and help out their star striker this season.
Hearts aiming 'to put on show' for Tynecastle crowdpublished at 11:49 9 July
11:49 9 July
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Craig Gordon will have a full pre-season with Hearts having missed out on Scotland's Euro 2024 squad
Hearts aim to "put on a good show" for the Tynecastle crowd by proving they are braced for the new campaign when they return home to face Leyton Orient on Saturday, says goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Steven Naismith's side are currently preparing for the upcoming season at a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife, but they will make the trip back to Gorgie for the weekend to test themselves against the English third-tier side.
Following that, Hearts will welcome Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.
"It’s always special getting back to Tynecatle," Gordon said, external. "There's always something different about games there.
"We've got a few more hard days here then it'll be looking forward to the Leyton Orient game and that’s where it all begins again for real.
"Hopefully the fans can come along and see some of the new players and we can put on a good show and show we’re ready for the new season."
'Hard to walk away from Arsenal' - Oyegokepublished at 08:23 8 July
08:23 8 July
Hearts summer signing Daniel Oyegoke reveals he turned down professional terms at Arsenal to join former club Brentford. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Wilson juggling Hearts ambitions with school commitments published at 14:11 7 July
14:11 7 July
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How do you balance your attempts to break into the Hearts first team and pass Advanced Higher PE?
That's the prospect facing James Wilson this season. Not that it seems to bother him.
The 17-year-old striker is fresh off scoring bucket loads of goals for the Tyencastle club's B team in the Lowland League.
While finding the back of the net is always at the forefront of Wilson's mind, he has also got to juggle academic commitments for another year.
"It's tough," he told club media, external. "On my day going into school - it's nice going to see my friends but going home after training, I'm having to work with a tutor.
"I have to sit myself down and do two hours' work. You do enjoy it and get some time off to see friends. It's good going into school.
"Hopefully I get the results that I want at the end of this year. I'm doing Advanced Higher PE. I'll find that tough I think, but it'll be good for me."
Wilson is hoping to emulate the likes of Aidan Denholm and Macauley Tait in going from academy graduate to regular member of Steven Naismith's matchday squads.
"I think we've got a good group," he added. "The club itself prepares you quite well. It's been an easy transition, all the boys are really good with you.
"Obviously I want to score my first goal. I want to get on the pitch and get as many minutes as possible. That's down to me in training.
"I want to hear the crowd after I score a goal. If I can get a goal early on this season, it'll give me a lift."
'Young Wilson could be the surprise package'published at 14:34 4 July
14:34 4 July
We asked who you are backing to be Hearts' breakout star in the new season.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Kevin: Expecting big things from Macaulay Tait and James Wilson.
Gordon: Lots of new arrivals but I really like the young lad James Wilson. I can see him having a big season. I think he could be the surprise package.
Steven: For me, Kenneth Vargas is the one to watch. Can he take his game to the next level? He has all the attributes - quick pace, good touch and an eye for goal. He’s still only 22. He could be a real star for Hearts this season.
Ian: If given enough game time, then Alan Forrest could be a big player for us.
Jon: If he gets the game time, Aidan Denholm.
Kuptin: James Wilson already looks the part. Also looking forward to seeing an injury-free Finlay Pollock at last.
Danny: It feels odd to say after an already successful period at Hearts but I think Cammy Devlin might have a breakout season by adding goals to his already dynamic game.
Hearts push for Taylor arrival published at 08:45 4 July
08:45 4 July
Hearts hope to expedite the arrival of Gerald Taylor, with the Deportivo Saprissa defender, 23, needing a UK working visa to complete a loan move to Tynecastle. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
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