Hearts have moved swiftly to replace departed set piece coach Ross Grant by appointing Liam Ross, formerly of Southampton, as their new dead ball specialist. The Jambos’ aerial threat was a key factor in their strong Premiership campaign last season, netting 12 goals from corners and five from free kicks.
Record-Breaking Set Piece Success
Under Grant, Hearts became the league’s most dangerous side from dead balls. Defenders Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay competed for the scoring charts, with Findlay’s headers from corners proving decisive. A notable example came in August when two Findlay headers—one from a Harry Milne outswinger, one from an Alexandros Kyziridis inswinger—secured a comeback win at Dundee United.
Other crucial set piece goals included Oisin McEntee’s header to beat Celtic at Parkhead and Findlay’s back-post header from Marc Leonard’s delivery in a 2-2 draw. On the final day, Lawrence Shankland’s header from Stephen Kingsley’s corner nearly secured an unlikely title before Celtic struck late.
Replacing a Key Departure
Grant’s expertise, built under Austin MacPhee at Midtjylland, Aston Villa and the Scottish national team, was praised by former manager Derek McInnes, who said Grant “looks forensically” at opposition defences. His departure to Celtic left a void, but Hearts have quickly filled it with Liam Ross, who previously worked at Dundee United, Swansea City and Southampton as an individual development coach.
Ross’s experience will be tested as Hearts aim to stay competitive at the top of the table. The club also lost McInnes, Shankland and Cammy Devlin to Rangers, but the set piece threat remains strong.
Delivery Players and Aerial Threats
Hearts retain several players with exceptional delivery: Milne, Kingsley, Kyziridis, Jordi Altena and Blair Spittal can all place the ball precisely. Additionally, the signing of Calvin Miller, who led the Premiership in assists last season, could further boost the dead ball threat.
In the box, Findlay, McEntee, Tomas Magnusson and new arrival Malachi Fagan-Walcott from York provide aerial prowess. Halkett is sidelined until January, but the depth remains formidable. New manager Wouter Vrancken inherits a strong foundation for Ross to build upon, aiming to keep Hearts ahead in this key aspect.
