Hearts look to challenge at top of SPL

JOHN McGLYNN aims to help Hearts challenge at the top of the SPL this season following the demise of Rangers. The Hearts manager has revealed the club’s intention to aim high when St Johnstone visit Tynecastle next weekend to open the new league campaign.

With newco Rangers now operating in the Third Division, several clubs are eyeing an opportunity to pursue Celtic for the league trophy. Hearts’ pre-season fixtures yielded two victories and one defeat so far ahead of this afternoon’s engagement with Rotherham at the New York Stadium. McGlynn is encouraged by the attitude of his players and, despite some high-profile summer departures, he is confident Hearts can mount a challenge.

“It’s a big season in front of us,” he told the club website. “We know there’s no Rangers. There’s a great opportunity for someone to go and stake a claim to challenge at the top of the table. Certainly, we are looking to do that. We understand there are financial implications so maybe there aren’t loads of signings and some players have gone.

“We need to look at what we’ve got and make sure that’s what we all focus on and support the players we do have. That’s what I’ve been trying to do as a manager to make sure we get the most out of the 
players we have.

“Hopefully they get the same support from the fans.

“There is a great team spirit
and great camaraderie. Everyone is feeling good about 
themselves.

“Everyone has come through the training great, everyone is together in training, everyone’s working hard and everyone’s showing a great attitude. Long may that continue.”