Robbie Neilson's message to Hearts fans over SPFL fiasco, relegation and facing Dundee

Robbie Neilson has assured Hearts fans the players know the enormity of the feeling regarding the position the club are in.

The Tynecastle Park side get their league campaign underway tonight as they host Dundee in the Championship showdown.

They will embark on a truncated 27-game season but will do so without the backing of supporters who’d likely express their strong feeling towards the SPFL and other clubs over the club’s relegation.

Neilson said: “We understand everything that has gone on over the past six months and don’t worry the players know all about that, the club understands that as well and the fans will.

Robbie Neilson has sent a message to Hearts fans ahead of the league opener. picture: SNS

“It would have been brilliant if the fans had been there because it would have been a full house and really intimidating atmosphere but it’s not going to be like that.

“So we have to make sure we do our bit ourselves by being on the front foot and being aggressive.”

Teams gunning for Hearts

Hearts are heavy favourites to win the Championship. With that comes expectation plus the status of being the team everyone wants to beat.

“We have guys here who want to be playing in the top flight - and believe they should be playing in the top flight,” Neilson said.

“But we have to win every game to make sure we get back up there and get them to where they expect to be.

“But we also know every team we play against will see us as a big scalp to try and take, and it will be no different here.

“Dundee will come down and they’ll see it as an opportunity to lay one on us, we need to make sure we are ready for it and make sure we show we’re the better team.

“People say at the start of the season that this team is the favourite… you have to go and show it.

“Going into any game we know teams will be giving an extra 25 per cent in their performance, they’ll be running more, they’ll be more prepared.

“We’ll go and watch them in a game two or three weeks before and they’ll turn up at Tynecastle a different team, more energy, more work-rate, more organisation.

“And when you play for a team like Hearts you have to accept that and find ways to win.”

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