Hearts v Gretna
Tynecastle - CBSPL
Saturday 18th August

Everyone who watched the first game of the season here at Tynecastle against Hibs knows that the Hearts performance was not good enough. We failed to create any serious chances against our rivals, and so we cannot complain that we lost the game.

After such a disappointing result it was important that we remained close as a team and focused on our objectives.

At Aberdeen last Sunday we produced a much improved performance. The quality of our possession football was very good at times.

I know supporters like to see the team pass the ball well, and I think our fans at Pittodrie Stadium saw progress which would have sent them back down to Edinburgh feeling much better than they had felt after the Hibs game.

There is much more work to do. We cannot be satisfied with a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen because we aspire to win every match.

We must continue to work on the attacking part of our game. We need to create more chances. When this happens I know we'll score more goals because we have got strikers capable of finishing for us.

I'd like to wish Craig Gordon every success. Craig left for Sunderland just under two weeks ago, but in this first Matchday Programme since he moved to England I think it is extremely important that we record what a fine goalkeeper he was for Hearts and what a fine man he was too. I know he'll do very well for his new team.

Christophe Berra now takes on the role of club captain. He is young, but he is hungry, focused and determined. He brings all the right qualities to Hearts and he will, I am sure, be a very good leader.

Finally, Gretna will be difficult today. They have had a remarkable three years winning three league titles in a row. Just before I arrived here Gretna faced Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final. I think we all know how difficult today's game could be. Your patience and continued support this afternoon is essential.

Anatoly Korobochka
Sport Director