After a decidedly chaotic 2024/25 season in which the club finished in a disappointing seventh place, Hearts now find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The Edinburgh outfit have raked in 30 points from 11 games, developing a satisfying seven-point lead over defending champions Celtic. At the same point in the season last year, Hearts found themselves dead last under newly-appointed head coach Neil Critchley. Now under Derek McInnes, the club has mounted an unprecedented challenge to the long-lasting duopoly of the Old Firm—no club aside from Rangers or Celtic has won the SPFL since 1985, and the last time another club led by such a margin was in 2005 (Hearts had an eight-point lead for a single day).
So, how have Hearts turned into a team yet to be beaten? Investor Tony Bloom this summer acquired a 29 per cent stake, bringing a wealth of experience from his role as the majority owner and chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion, who have risen from League One to the Premier League during his tenure. Brighton’s clever management has led to both club development and huge transfer profits. Hearts fans have seen their club make similarly intelligent signings in the market prior to this season, particularly Cláudio Braga, who has notched six goals since his arrival from Aalesunds. His tally in the league is second only to teammate Lawrence Shankland’s seven, only one fewer than the eight the striker managed last season.
Hearts find themselves ahead, at least in part, due to turbulence at rival clubs, both on and off the pitch. Celtic manager Brendan Rogers resigned last month after Hearts handed the reigning champions their second loss in as many games. In contrast, it took them 27 games to record two defeats last season. The club have since appointed Martin O’Neill as interim manager, bringing the 73-year-old back to the club 20 years after his first stint at Celtic Park—O’Neill’s 75 per cent win rate is the highest of any Celtic manager, so he will hope to right the ship as the club seek a permanent replacement. To his credit, and perhaps Hearts fans’ disappointment, Celtic have replied with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Falkirk and an extra time win over Rangers in the League Cup semi-final. With a game in hand, Celtic are not to be underestimated, even if they’re not the dominant force of seasons past.
Then again, Hearts are in an optimistic position as we head into the international break—the club will need to manage fatigue as the season progresses, but an enviable squad depth puts them on the best footing to maintain, or better yet, extend their lead. On top of recent injury woes, Celtic will play 18 matches between now and the end of January, while Hearts will only play 12. That, as well as the lack of midweek European football, could help bring the league title to Tynecastle for the first time since 1960.
Photo by Mark Chan for The Student