Forget about Sir Alex Ferguson. The secret weapon that Heart of Midlothian Football Club truly needs to recruit for the remainder of this thrilling season is none other than snakehips Colin Chisholm. The 73-year-old singer should become a permanent fixture on the Tynecastle pitch before every home game, leading the crowd with the same passionate vigour he displayed last weekend.
A Stirring Anthem and a Vital Victory
Chisholm's brilliant rendition of what is arguably the planet's finest football anthem stirred the blood of the home supporters, creating a terrific atmosphere ahead of kick-off. It is tempting to believe this emotional boost played a part in laying the foundations for an impressive 1-0 victory over Aberdeen. The team delivered a pleasing tempo from the beginning, producing a performance better than seen in recent weeks.
Skin in the Game: A True Jambo's Redemption
Colin Chisholm is no mere performer; he is a true Jambo with deep connections to the club. He recorded an updated version of the Hearts song back in 1986 alongside the first-team squad, a team that at the time looked poised to win a historic league title. Given the ultimate heartbreak of that season, he deserves his shot at redemption. Being there, doing his bit, as his beloved team endeavours to finally get over the line this time around, would be a fitting chapter.
The final nine games of this title chase—four of which will most probably be held at Tynecastle in Gorgie—should be a Hearts affair for Hearts people, led by Hearts people. The recent focus on Sir Alex Ferguson, who passed advice to manager Derek McInnes and attended the weekend match wearing a maroon tie, has been a pleasant diversion. However, the 84-year-old former Manchester United manager has no true affiliation with Hearts.
Questionable VIP Focus During a Title Push
Earlier this season, Ferguson was a regular at Rangers games, visiting their training ground and contacting then-manager Russell Martin. More pertinently, he was the man who hammered the final nail into the coffin of that 1986 Hearts team, leading Aberdeen to a 3-0 Scottish Cup final victory just a week after Hearts' league title collapse at Dens Park.
It feels peculiar and somewhat inappropriate for him to be the VIP guest at the centre of attention while the Gorgie outfit pushes for the title once more. While there is no issue with him attending matches or spending time with the management, the spotlight should shift.
Celebrating True Hearts Legends
From now on, the posh seats should be reserved for feting and celebrating genuine Hearts legends. Their presence can help stir old memories of success and tap into the potent spirits and emotions from the club's illustrious past within this fantastic venue.
The list of potential icons is as long as Gorgie Road itself: Jim Jefferies, Rudi Skacel, John Robertson, Gilles Rousset, Stephane Adam, Paulo Sergio, Colin Cameron, Takis Fyssas, and Gary Locke, among others. The club should invite at least a couple of them to every remaining home game, making their presence known. Imagine them on the pitch with Colin Chisholm for a communal sing-song, or footage of their historic cup lifts and iconic goals flashing across the big screens.
Atmosphere as a Tactical Advantage
Saturday's match demonstrated that these extra touches to boost mood, heighten atmosphere, and transform Tynecastle into an even more formidable bearpit can yield tangible rewards. The nature of the performance should encourage all Hearts fans.
Match-winner Claudio Braga was brilliant, admirably shouldering responsibility up front despite his recent past in the Norwegian second tier. Jamie McCart's strong showing at centre-back offered evidence that Stuart Findlay's absence need not be a major impediment.
Manager Derek McInnes added to the feelgood factor by revealing that Cammy Devlin and Stephen Kingsley could return for the home game against Dundee on March 21st, with captain Lawrence Shankland potentially back the following week for the trip to Livingston.
Managerial Approval for a New Ritual
When asked about Chisholm's contribution, McInnes replied positively: "He did well, didn't he? He just said to me that he's just glad he never jinxed it. I said: 'You and me both'. But, no, he sung well." McInnes added, "I'm loving what we're getting at Tynecastle. We've had a lot of good days here this season and, hopefully, there's a few more to come."
Colin Chisholm should be part of those days. When you hear him sing that immortal line—'some say the Rangers and Celtic are grand, but the boys in maroon are the best in the land'—the more you start to believe he might just be right.
HEARTS (4-4-2): Schwolow 7; Steinwender 7, Halkett 7, McCart 7, Milne 7.5; Kyziridis 6 (Kent 84), Magnusson 7, Leonard 7, Spittal 7 (Baningime 87); BRAGA 8 (Chesnokov 88), Kabore 7.
Booked: Halkett, McCart, Spittal.
Manager: Derek McInnes 8.
ABERDEEN (4-1-4-1): Mitov 6; Devlin 6 (Lobban 71), Morrison 5, Milne 6, Molloy 6; Shinnie 5 (Heltne Nilsen 46); Olusanya 6 (Lazetic 79), Geiger 5, Cameron 5 (Armstrong 66), Keskinen 5 (Frame 46); Nisbet 5.
Booked: Shinnie, Geiger, Devlin, Milne, Frame.
Manager: Peter Leven 5.
Referee: Kevin Clancy.
Attendance: 18,788.
