Former Hearts star surprised by rapid Jambos ascent but Tony Bloom and Jamestown spark game-changing potential
The former Hearts star has been talking the potential for continued growth around Tynecastle.
A former Hearts striker has been surprised by the Jambos’ rise to Premiership title chat - but investor Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics have renewed his Gorgie belief.
Conor Washington’s one season at Tynecastle was during the 19/20 season when the club were controversially relegated to the Scottish Championship. Last term, Hearts finished second, less than a year on from Brighton chairman Tony Bloom’s investment alongside smart transfer moves backed by the English businessman’s Jamestown recruitment tool.
A tussle with Rangers this Wednesday could move the Jambos under Wouter Vrancken’s management within a point of second-place and possibly five away from first depending on results elsewhere. Picking up points consistently against teams outside of Glasgow will be key but Washington backs Hearts to continue their upwards trajectory with support from the likes of Bloom.
Can Hearts challenge for the Premiership title?
Washington said: “I've been really impressed with Hearts over the last year. I think everyone knows how big a club they are and the potential they've got, especially with the support behind them and what Tynecastle can be like when they're doing well. But if you'd asked me a year ago whether they could genuinely challenge for the title, I'd probably have said no.
“The financial gap to Celtic and Rangers is massive and I think realistically, for anyone else to have a chance, you need those two to drop their standards a bit, like we saw last season. That's not taking anything away from Hearts though, because you've still got to be good enough to take advantage of it.
“I think the Tony Bloom involvement is really interesting as well. Hearts aren't going to be able to compete with the Old Firm financially, so having that recruitment expertise and finding players that perhaps other clubs have overlooked could make a real difference. The big challenge for me is whether they can keep picking up points consistently, especially in the games where everyone expects them to win.
“It's all well and good raising your game against Celtic and Rangers, but it's often those difficult away games against the other sides in the league that make the difference over a season. I certainly wouldn't have expected Hearts to be in this position, but I think it's brilliant for Scottish football and I'd love to see them keep it going.”
Conor Washington was speaking in association with Best Betting Bonuses | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly