Heart of Midlothian

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

The month of August always sees an influx of arrivals into Edinburgh, with each newcomer looking to make a lasting impression.

Following the win against Dundee United, Wouter Vrancken and his Jamestown Analytics-assembled squad put on quite the show this festival season.

Despite what some defiant Jambos might tell you, it was important for our new gaffer to pick up a victory quickly.

For one afternoon at least, Hearts looked less like a production finding its feet and more like a Fringe sellout that had already found its audience.

It was encouraging to start so well and Tom Renaud's stoater of a strike and Calvin Miller's VAR-awarded penalty settled any nerves about another winless afternoon.

There were so many positives from the game: four different goalscorers, including three players making their Tynecastle league debut; a first clean sheet for Beau Reus and his makeshift back four; much-maligned pair Jamie McCart and Blair Spittal bouncing back with solid performances.

I get accused of being a "happy clapper" just as much as being told I'm "so negative I can't be a Jambo" when it comes to articulating how I feel as a fan, but we should be encouraged about the season ahead.

After Vrancken deployed a 4-2-4 formation in possession away to Benfica, I'm presuming we won't play with the handbrake on domestically. If that's the case, we should be involved in plenty more high-scoring matches.

With Alexandros Kyziridis now gone in a £1.7m deal after arriving on a free just 12 months ago, it's another encouraging sign Hearts' data-led model can work. Given Josh McPake's encouraging performance, crowned with the fourth goal, we may already have a ready-made replacement on the left flank.

In a week of discussion about the future of Scottish football, it was particularly pleasing to see strong performances from McPake, Miller, Spittal and McCart.

There's no doubt we'll need to do more to help academy players such as James Wilson become first-team regulars, but I hope Vrancken continues to build around a strong Scottish core.

I hate the term 'free hit', but that's exactly what Thursday's return fixture against Benfica is. The truth is we're unlikely to see Champions League calibre opposition in Gorgie for many years, so we should simply enjoy the occasion, both as supporters and as a team.

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Alexandros Kyziridis has penned an emotional farewell message to Hearts fans after the winger's departure to Turkish side Corum FK was confirmed.

The 25-year-old, capped for the first time this year by Greece, moved to Tynecastle as a free agent last summer from Slovakian side Zemplin Michalovce, and scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 45 appearances for Hearts.

Kyziridis was influential early in his time at the club and was a key part of the side that came close to a historic league title last season.

The winger said on Instagram:, external "I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"The victories, the difficult moments, the celebrations, the defeats, the dressing room, the fans, and all those little moments that maybe seemed ordinary at the time but will always mean so much to me.

"This city will always have a very special place in my heart. It is not just the place where I played football and made memories - it is the place where my son was born. For that reason alone, a part of me will always belong here.

"This city will forever be connected to one of the most beautiful and important moments of my life.

"Thank you for believing in me, for supporting me, and for making me feel part of this family. I gave everything I had every time I wore this shirt, and I will always be proud of that.

"I leave knowing that I was part of something special, and I will always look back on this chapter with gratitude, pride, and a lot of love.

"This is not goodbye forever. It is simply goodbye for now."

Winger Calvin Miller, 28, is reluctant to acknowledge his defensive skills after playing at left-back in Hearts' 4-0 weekend win over Dundee United. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Rangers are pushing to sign James Penrice, 27, and have submitted a loan offer with purchase option, but AEK Athens want a permanent transfer for the former Hearts full-back. (Barry Anderson, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Hearts' start to the season after the Edinburgh side picked up their first win of the new campaign following four defeats in four games. Scott Brown and Andy Halliday also analyse Tom Renaud's goal for the Tynecastle club.

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Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw at home to promoted side Academico de Viseu FC in Liga Portugal on Sunday as they prepare for Thursday's trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts.

The Portuguese outfit cruised to a 6-1 victory in Lisbon last week in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.

Hearts, meanwhile, were 4-0 winners against Dundee United at Tynecastle in Wouter Vrancken's first victory as manager.

If Hearts lose the tie they will likely face either Rapid Vienna or Paide Linnameeskond in the Conference League play-off.

The former defeated Ried 2-1 in the Austria top flight and sit second on goal difference behind LASK, who Celtic play in the Champions League play-off next week.

Pied Linnameeskond also won in their domestic match, they defeated Viimsi 3-1 away from home and sit second in the Estonian league.

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Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay is to leave his post at the end of August.

McKinlay took up the position six years ago, having been appointed by former owner Ann Budge.

"It has been an honour to serve as CEO of Hearts," said McKinlay, who became vice president of the Scottish FA in January.

"I am proud of all that we have achieved during my time at the club and grateful to have worked alongside so many dedicated colleagues, players, supporters and partners. I wish everyone connected with Hearts every success in the future."

The Edinburgh club say McKinlay's exit was "mutually agreed" following discussions with the board.

He had been chief executive of Scottish Golf before his move to Tynecastle in 2020 and was previously chief operating officer at the SFA.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Made eight saves as Hibs held on for another win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Kanayo Megwa - Hibernian

Played a big part in a strong, steady victorious showing at Ibrox.

Auston Trusty - Celtic

Superb block on the line as the American kept things tight at the back for Celtic.

Owen Bevan - Dundee

You don't have to be called Bevan to do well for Dundee, but it clearly helps. Strong showing at the back.

Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

More often than not makes an impact down the left for the Steelmen.

Joe Bevan - Dundee

Looked impressive at times against Celtic and took it to a new level against Aberdeen with a goal and assist.

Tom Renaud - Hearts

His laser-guided rocket reminded me of Ally McCoist at Euro '96. To be fair, Renaud's was even better.

Killian Phillips - St Mirren

Suddenly the main man for the Buddies. Loved his no-nonsense one-step penalty.

Josh McPake - Hearts

Scored a fine goal, linking up with Claudio Braga. Shining on the Tynecastle stage after his heroics for St Johnstone.

Kasper Hogh - Celtic

An ebullient, winning personality and the Celtic fans have a new hero after the £11m man netted a hat-rick and looked an all round class act.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Ran out of superlatives for his contribution last season, and was back to his best against Dundee United with a goal and two assists.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts winger Calvin Miller hopes Sunday's thumping 4-0 win over Dundee United will help kickstart their season after a testing start.

Miller - signed from Falkirk earlier this summer - scored his first goal for the club, converting from the penalty spot.

The three points were more than welcome after a heavy aggregate defeat by Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying, a 2-1 reverse against Aberdeen in the Premiership and a heavy loss at Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying tie.

Despite those losses, Miller - who filled in at left-back against United - says he always believed Hearts would eventually get their season up and running.

"I'm just happy to get off my mark and get the win," he told BBC Scotland.

"I think we've been quite unlucky with the draws and stuff, the ties and the European campaign.

"So today was huge for us to kickstart our campaign and we've done it in style with a nice 4-0 win.

"It's been tough, of course, but the opposition have been real tough. It's a learning curve as well, so we take these moments and we try and learn from them.

"Then we take it into the Scottish league campaign and then we try and apply ourselves in this league and I think we've done that."

Hearts now turn their attention back to Europe when Benfica visit Tynecastle on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying-round tie.

Wouter Vrancken's side trail 6-1 from the first leg in Lisbon, but Miller says the players will relish the opportunity despite facing another demanding week.

"You've got to relish these moments in these big games and I am looking forward to it on Thursday," Miller said.

"We need to not make as many mistakes as you usually do. You need to up your game, you need to think faster.

"Our opponents are a wee bit ahead in terms of quality, but it's maybe just trying to frustrate them and make it difficult and hard to beat."

Hearts fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Charlie: Great to see Hearts play football, it takes time but the signs are good.

Rupert: Our attacking play is electric and will find a few teams wanting this season but we need to tighten up out of possession in order to win games - 4-0 flattered us. We are close to being a good team but in Scottish football you need to know how to battle to a 1-0 too.

Sam: Outstanding, especially in the light of all the injuries. Calvin Miller and Oisin McEntee look real players but after all the recent criticism it was great to see Jamie McCart produce a wonderful performance.

Chris: I think 4-0 flatters us. Dundee United were in control for long periods and I feel a better team would have punished us. We badly need defenders and a number nine.

B Prentice: I could see the improvement coming yet was expecting Wouter Vrancken to need a few transfer windows before he can truly get us where he wants us to be. But after Sunday the future is bright, the future is maroon.

Marc: Delighted with the attacking performance, especially the work rate and quality of Josh McPake and Calvin Miller. Tom Renaud has the makings of a baller, and Tomas Magnusson was very impressive when he came on. Vrancken-ball has many positives, and leaves us susceptible to the counter, but McCart and McEntee were both outstanding and coped well. Very entertaining football and many positives to take.

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Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken: "Really great. Also happy for the players because they worked hard for this. They didn't get what they deserved in the last few games.

"But they kept going. They stand up every time. You saw today the confidence growing during the game and I'm happy to see that they tried to play in that mentality. The team spirit stayed and they tried to keep the clean sheet.

"A clean sheet and scoring goals is always good for confidence. He doesn't want to hear it for sure, but we've found a new left-back in Calvin Miller!

"He went there for the team, performed and gave everything. Now we have to keep going, it's only one game. Let's try and do it again.

"The club accepted a bid [for Alexandros Kyziridis]. I think it's a good deal for the club, a good deal for him. He came in for nothing and goes out for a good deal. This is football, we focus on the players who are here.

"I wish him all the best because he's a great player and also a great person."

Wouter Vrancken got his first win as Heart of Midlothian head coach in his fifth attempt as they put on a classy attacking display to fire four goals past Dundee United at Tynecastle Park in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Sabri Guendouz admits Hearts "didn't carry out the plan" set out by head coach Wouter Vrancken in Thursday's 6-1 defeat by Benfica. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Hearts face defensive issues as Stuart Findlay is suspended and Craig Halkett (Achilles), Stephen Kingsley (hamstring), Malachi Fagan-Walcott (ankle) and Christian Borchgrevink (muscle) are all injured. Harry Milne and Laurent Mendy are also doubts after going off against Benfica, while Ageu is still sidelined.

Dundee United will again be without Dario Naamo through injury but Lachie Rose and Bert Esselink have recovered from niggles and should be fit.

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• Five of the past six Scottish Premiership matches between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United have been won by the away side, the exception a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in November 2025. The last home win in this fixture was by Hearts in February 2023 (3-1).

• Dundee United are unbeaten in three away games against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership (W2 D1), facing a different Hearts manager each time (Steven Naismith, Neil Critchley, Derek McInnes).

• Hearts have lost their past two league games, last losing three in a row when they suffered five defeats in a row in August and September 2024. They have not started a season with two defeats since 2009-10 under manager Csaba Laszlo.

• Dundee United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 17 away Scottish Premiership matches, since a 2-0 win at Dundee in August 2025. Since the start of last season, Dundee United have kept the fewest away clean sheets of any side in the league (1).

• Only Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez (15) won more aerial duels on MD1 of this season's Scottish Premiership than Dundee United's Michael Forbes (8). He also ranked first among his team-mates for headed clearances (7) and successful passes (32) in their 1-1 draw with Rangers.

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Celtic are ready to step up their interest in Heart of Midlothian forward Claudio Braga, while several clubs from overseas are also weighing up a move for the 26-year-old. (Pete O'Rourke, external)

Saturday's Scottish gossip

Hearts fans, we asked for your views after Thursday night's heavy defeat to Benfica in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Paul: We probably deserved to be 3-0 down at half time, but the final scoreline felt harsh and arguably flattered a fabulous Benfica side. I'm proud of how our lads fought back in the second half with gutsy, attractive play and a great goal but sadly conceding two late goals undermined the much improved competitiveness shown after having moved to a back three. I was encouraged by what I saw, especially after half time, but we simply must stop gifting soft goals to opponents.

James: We expected to get thumped, but there were some good performances from our players last night too. Calvin Miller, Beau Reus, Josh McPake and Tom Renaud all had good games. Benfica are a class team and great to watch. Next we have to concentrate on our league form but these games are great for getting the team together and getting up to full fitness for the season ahead.

Maxwell: I have, like many others, been hyper critical of Wouter Vrancken because we expect too much from a new manager/style of play and a bunch of lads sought out by algorithms. Yes, it's painful, and it will continue to be painful, but if our new managers learns quickly, and I think he will, and gets rid of the dead wood, we all know who they are, maybe at the end of the year we will have an exciting team to watch.

Calum: Dundee United on Sunday really is a must-win for confidence now. There are some definite improvements to be made but, all told, could we as a fanbase please bear in mind that we've just played some Champions League regulars?

Lewis: Outclassed but mostly our own doing. Players doing stupid things inside the penalty area with no accountability proves we are missing a leader within the team. If nothing changes soon, we are in trouble.

Steve: We defend like a Sunday league team in stages and it's decimating our confidence. I cannot believe how far this team has fallen from last season and it's time to admit the Wouter Vrancken experiment will not work. We are so vulnerable in defence and tactically I genuinely worry for this team.

Hearts' half-time withdrawals of Laurent Mendy and Harry Milne in Thursday's 6-1 defeat by Benfica were enforced. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Sunday's trip to face Hearts will come too soon for Dundee United's midfielder Abdoulaye Yoro, 19, to make his debut. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Friday's Scottish gossip