New Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has issued a warning to Celtic and Rangers, vowing that his side will continue to punch above their weight and challenge for the Scottish Premiership title. The Belgian, who replaced Derek McInnes at Tynecastle, insists the fight is far from over despite last season's near miss.
Vrancken's Ambition to Compete with Old Firm
Vrancken, 47, was appointed after guiding Sint-Truiden to a third-place finish in the Belgian Jupiler League, their best in 60 years, earning him Belgium's manager of the year award. He now aims to build on Hearts' stunning campaign, which saw them come within minutes of their first league title in 66 years.
Asked about his remit, Vrancken said: "Same thing I think. To compete with the Glasgow teams and to try to overachieve again. Try to have a good season and try to fight for the top spots." He acknowledged the difficulty of replicating results but emphasized creating a spark in the stadium: "From the first minute you have to show that you want to fight for the logo, fight for the colours. And when people see this they will get your back... then you get the synergy and then it comes back on the pitch, you can do even more and then you can overachieve."
Embracing Jamestown Analytics and New Challenge
Vrancken is stepping into his first job outside Belgium, having previously managed Mechelen, Gent, Genk, and Sint-Truiden. He turned down a new contract with his hometown club to join Hearts, citing the link with Jamestown Analytics—the data-driven recruitment tool owned by investor Tony Bloom, which has propelled Union Saint-Gilloise to success in Belgium. Vrancken said: "I always wanted to look behind the curtain actually. So maybe this is an opportunity to do it."
Hearts have already made seven signings this summer and are actively seeking more. Vrancken praised the analytical model: "It gives you a good feeling to come here because it's objective. It's because of what you did, not who you know." He added that the approach attracts hungry players: "I competed with Union for a few years. So it's all players who are hungry, who want it really bad."
Fan Support and Title Ambitions
Vrancken called on Hearts supporters to create an intimidating atmosphere at Tynecastle, similar to last season. "We will fight our best and you have the smell a little bit of the title last year. So that's the nicest thing to play for. Everybody wants to play for those spots," he said. The club's long-term goal, set by Bloom, is to win the league within nine years.
Vrancken concluded: "We are responsible with the staff, with the players to create a spark in the stadium... and when people see this they will get your back." His appointment signals Hearts' determination to remain contenders in Scottish football.
