Hearts reunited with John Robertson in Betfred League Cup group stage
The north section of the draw handed the Edinburgh club a reunion with their record league goalscorer and former manager John Robertson, now in charge at the Highland club. The clubs also recently agreed a player swap, with Hearts midfielder Angus Beith heading north and Inverness winger Jake Mulraney joining up at Tynecastle.
Raith and Cowdenbeath provide opposition from Fife, giving Hearts manager Craig Levein a chance to face two of his former clubs. Highland league winners Cove are the fifth team in the section. Group matches start on July 14, with fixture dates and television selections to be announced in due course.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHearts will be eager to atone for last summer's Betfred Cup campaign, which saw them eliminated at the group phase. They beat Elgin City away and East Fife at home before losing away to Peterhead. Their final section match ended in a draw against Dunfermline, who then won on penalties to seal the fate of former Hearts head coach Ian Cathro.
Premiership newcomers Livingston were drawn in Group F alongside Hamilton, Berwick Rangers, Airdrie and Annan Athletic. Edinburgh City joined Motherwell, Queen of the South, Clyde and Stranraer in Group G. Lowland League Spartans were placed in Group H with Kilmarnock, St Mirren, Dumbarton and Queen's Park.
BETFRED LEAGUE CUP GROUP STAGE DRAW
Full Draw
North Section:
Group A
Ross County
Dundee United
Arbroath
Elgin City
Alloa Athletic
Group B
St Johnstone
Falkirk
Montrose
East Fife
Forfar Athletic
Group C
Hearts
Inverness
Raith Rovers
Cowdenbeath
Cove Rangers
Group D
Dundee
Dunfermline
Stirling Albion
Brechin City
Peterhead
South Section:
Group E
Partick Thistle
Morton
Albion Rovers
Ayr United
Stenhousemuir
Group F
Hamilton
Livingston
Berwick Rangers
Airdrie
Annan Athletic
Group G
Motherwell
Queen of the South
Clyde
Edinburgh City
Stranraer
Group H
Kilmarnock
St Mirren
Dumbarton
Queen’s Park
Spartans