Hearts achieved their aim of winning the Championship and returning to the Premiership at the first attempt. However, there were some bumps along the way with performances not always pleasing their fans.
Hearts had a flying start and racked up the goals with ease at home (W11 D1 L2). However, on the road it was a different matter with a cautious approach displeasing their fans and producing a less than stellar record of W6 D5 L2.
Form was lost in February and March and included an embarrassing defeat at Highland League Brora Rangers in the Scottish Cup (viewed as the worst result in their history). However, no other team showed the consistency to mount a challenge and Hearts finished the season strongly to claim the title.
The class of their internationalists, Gordon, Smith, Boyce and Naismith, shone through. Kingsley proved a fine addition at left-back, with Ginnelly starring on the wing until injury ended his season prematurely.
Overall, Hearts got the job done, but the feeling was they could have done it with more style. The club and their fans are still clearly bitter about the manner of their relegation in 2020 and have a point to prove.
Hearts already have a squad that is of Premiership quality and the motivation to succeed. The question is, can manager Robbie Neilson keep the fans with him?
