Football Season Guide

Hearts first season back in the Scottish Premiership has to be deemed a great success as they more than just survived in the league but even challenged at the top, eventually finishing third and getting a spot in Europe. A tough battle with Aberdeen for second went against them in the end but their young squad showed great ability and quality football to do so well on their return to the top flight. There were some inexplicable displays of disapproval against manager Robbie Neilson and losing to bitter rivals Hibs in the cup didn't help matters but overall it was definitely a good season. This year things might get tougher at the top with the arrival of Rangers and Neilson looked to replace Osman Sow who moved to China back in January by bringing in Connor Sammon from Derby and Tony Watt on loan from Charlton to provide the firepower up front. Their scouting has brought in some fantastic buys from unknown teams and countries in recent years and they'll be hoping for more of the same with Faycal Rherrras and Bjorn Johnsen coming in. A few first team regulars from last year have departed including goalkeeper Neil Alexander, defender Blazej Augustyn and midfielders Morgaro Gomis and Miguel Pallardo so they may have to rely on youth again this season. One youngster who has left on loan is Jordan McGhee. Despite breaking into the first team last year he has been allowed to make a loan move to Middlesbrough after seeing a move to them last year fall through. They've already been knocked out of Europe this season at the hands of Birkirkara, a disappointing result but it may have given them some match fitness ahead of the start of the Premiership.