Hearts finished third in this season’s Scottish Premiership to reclaim what they believe is their rightful position in Scottish football’s order of ranking. They have consistently aimed to be the country’s third force behind Celtic and Rangers. Finishing the campaign 12 points ahead of fourth-placed Kilmarnock is rightly considered a good achievement by those in charge at Tynecastle Park.
However, Hearts have had to show remarkable resilience in the last 10 years to reach that position. Twice they found themselves a newly-promoted club in the top flight and had to reclaim third spot following a season in the Championship. Over the last decade, they suffered relegation and demotion, plus managerial changes and the challenge of Covid 19 along with the rest of the clubs.
A look back over the those 10 seasons shows the Edinburgh club’s goals, wins, draws, losses and league finishes as they have moved up and down the Scottish football ladder:
5. Season 2018/19:
Hearts finished sixth in the Premiership after 51 games in all competitions. They won 24 matches, drew 8 and lost 19, scoring 72 goals and conceding 61. They also reached the Scottish Cup final, losing to Celtic. | SNS Group
6. Season 2019/20:
Hearts finished 12th in the Premiership after 40 games in all competitions. They won 10 matches, drew 14 and lost 16, scoring 48 goals and conceding 61. They also reached the Scottish Cup final, delayed by Covid, losing to Celtic on penalties. | SNS Group
7. Season 2020/21:
Hearts finished first in the Championship after 35 games in all competitions. They won 22 matches, drew 7 and lost 6, scoring 77 goals and conceding 34. | SNS Group
8. Season 2021/22:
Hearts finished third in the Premiership after 48 games in all competitions. They won 24 matches, drew 11 and lost 13, scoring 75 goals and conceding 52. They also reached the Scottish Cup final, losing to Rangers after extra-time. | SNS Group