Hearts v Rangers
Tynecastle - SPL
Saturday 15th September

We had to wait longer than we would have liked for our first league win of the season but I thought the players did well against Motherwell and deserved the 2-0 victory.

It was an encouraging all-round team performance with everyone playing their part in a tough match. It was our second successive clean sheet following our win over Stirling Albion in the CIS Cup tie at Forthbank and gives us something to build on as we move forward.

Our last home game against Gretna was a big disappointment as we had gone into the match confident of winning it. However, the players deserve credit for turning things around and it's important we use our last two results as a springboard to more success.

We were delighted to sign Christian Nade from Sheffield United. He showed some nice touches in his debut against Motherwell but is obviously still short of match fitness. The sharper he gets, though, the more he will demonstrate what a dangerous striker he is and I am confident you will warm to his style and that he will get goals for Hearts.

We returned to Edinburgh following a training camp in Palanga, Lithuania, earlier this week and we are hoping it has a similar effect on the squad as our trip to Germany did last season.

The spirit in the camp has improved since the draw with Gretna and the increased unity will hopefully be transmitted into more good results on the pitch.

Today's match against Rangers is a very tough game, with the Glasgow side having enjoyed a very good start to the season under Walter Smith. However, we have home advantage and with your support we are confident of beating anyone at Tynecastle.

Thank you for standing by the team during a difficult opening to our Clydesdale Bank Premier League season and your continued backing is vital for us all.

Anatoly Korobochka
Sport Director