Michael Stewart names two key reasons for Hearts title challenge that goes beyond Jamestown Analytics
The outspoken pundit has praised Hearts and their bid for the Premiership title.
Michael Stewart has named a key component of the Hearts title bid - and it’s not Jamestown Analytics.
The pundit has marvelled over his former side’s advances towards Premiership glory. Monday’s 2-1 win over Rangers thanks to Stephen Kingsley and Lawrence Shankland goals unlocked a scenario where victory over Motherwell this weekend and dropped points for Celtic on Old Firm duty means it could be sealed next Wednesday, if Falkirk are defeated at Tynecastle. Derek McInnes has been the manager behind it all and he’s been armed with a Scottish core.
Investor Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics has unearthed gems like Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis that have been utilised to great effect. While that has played its part in the ascent up the table, former midfielder Stewart reckons it’s the Scottish core which was mostly present within Gorgie ranks that has been paramount to Hearts success, rather than it all being down to the recruitment software.
Michael Stewart on Hearts title bid
He told Premier Sports Social Club: “You cannot look at the Hearts team and not recognise the importance of that Scottish core. You look at when Stuart Findlay comes back in alongside Craig Halkett, the team instantly improves. He improves Halkett, Findlay, not only just improves the team. Findlay's been a standout as well, but the two of them together, that partnership has been incredible.
“You look at the top end of the park with Lawrence Shankland. You look at Marc Leonard, by the way, who's come in since January. A brilliant signing for Hearts. Harry Milne at left back. Credit to Stephen Kingsley. Stephen Kingsley's been a brilliant player for Hearts, and in the last couple of years, he has had a real problem with injuries. He's naturally getting a little bit older as well.
“He's very capable and somebody that if you were to try to replace, you would struggle, because he's quality. That finish on Monday was a top class finish. Very well composed. So the Scottish core of the Hearts team is, you know, let me take it a stage further. There's a lot being spoken about with regards to Jamestown Analytics. We may well see in the next few years that really come to the fore.
Why are Hearts challenging for the Premiership title?
“But I think there's a real sort of juxtaposition with Hearts at the moment here in regards to the reason that Hearts are challenging for the title this season is not because of Jamestown Analytics. It's because of Derek McInnes, Scottish manager, and the Scottish core of the team.
“Yes, I'm talking about it in terms of percentages, you know, the real weight of what are the main reasons. Claudio Braga's been outstanding and he's Jamestown Analytics. Yes, but the core of this is down to what was already here.”
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