20 years ago today, Paul Hartely ensured Heart of Midlothian immortality with a hat-trick v Hibs in the first-ever Hampden Park derby. He broke his three goals down for @heartsstandard.bsky.social His game, a Puma ball, Zibi and celebrations.

Derek McInnes provided the latest on nine Hearts stars and their injury situation. Three players could return v Livingston, while the game could come too soon for Findlay and Milne but neither being ruled out.

Hearts are committed to playing European games at Tynecastle Park. Plans are already being made to meet UEFA's requirements. That includes moving the press box in the Main Stand with the club writing to impacted season ticket holders.

Throughout his managerial career, Derek McInnes has kept his circle tight with his coaching staff. Spoke with him recently about Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin, their dynamic, trust and their experience as managers in their own right.

Spoke to Mel who runs the Tynie Arms about raising money to restore the clock above the entrance. Turned into a piece about making the Tynie Arms a proper Hearts pub again. Phil Stamp, Spotify playlist, memorabilia and getting rid of the Heineken tap.

A phone call about a No.10 playing in the Dutch third tier set in motion events that led to Jordi Altena signing for Hearts. I spoke to his coach at RKC Waalwijk about that call, his position switch, the surprise Hearts move and why he'll succeed.

In the first 19 league games, Hearts won 1-0 once. In their last 12, they have done it six times, five of those at home. The Derek McInnes promise fulfilled, attacking approach and the 46-game stat that has gone under the radar.

Hearts will only get stronger. That's the message from Derek McInnes with five players set to return after the international break. The Hearts head coach also explained the Altena and McEntee decision.

Derek McInnes provided an update on Craig Halkett's back issue. The Hearts head coach explained the disruption and praised the contribution of Michael Steinwender.

Heart of Midlothian will start April in top spot after a gritty win over Dundee. Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin but it was the return of a set-piece goal that was most welcome. Jordi Altena and Oisin McEntee impressed.

Derek McInnes reveals Harry Milne was close to facing Dundee but will return v Livingston. Lawrence Shankland is under "strict" game time guidelines.

The Claudio Braga song is now available to listen to on streaming platforms after Jambo and a Fife band recorded a version.

I asked Derek McInnes about the Hearts record from set plays recently. The team held meetings this week. 🗣️ "It's something that we're really aware of." He also tempered the excitement around Shankland and Devlin return.: "Got to be mindful."

Heart of Midlothian and Foundation of Hearts celebrate the £20m milestone on Saturday. It has been a journey from Romanov to Budge to Bloom. Could only speak to one person for insight on that journey, Garry Halliday who has been there from the start.

Hearts will head to Spain to prepare for the post-split fixtures. After the Dubai cancellation, the club will take advantage of the gap between the Motherwell game on April 11 and the first post-split fixture on April 25.

All three teams in the title race look like they will drop points, but for Hearts the margin for error is the lowest it has been after the worst performance over 90 minutes. Reflections on defeat, frustration and three reasons for optimism.

Craig Halkett offered an honest verdict after the Kilmarnock loss: 🗣️ "It was one of the days we weren't good enough."

Tomas Magnusson is away to hospital with a suspected fractured cheekbone. Latest on Beni, Shankland and Devlin following a frustrating night for Hearts.

Derek McInnes revealed the benefit Hearts will get from 4,000 Jambos at Rugby Park for 8pm kick-off. Plus, how kick-off time impacts preparation and dynamic of playing after Celtic. 🗣️ If the game was at four in the morning, they’d still be there."

An interesting read on Hearts transfer values, Transfermarkt and what goes into calculating them. @craigcairns.bsky.social ✍️

The eight-man Hearts injury update... ▪️ McEntee to return this weekend ▪️ Shankland and Devlin very soon ▪️ Kingsley and Findlay progressing well ▪️ Gordon down in London ▪️ Nieuwenhof and Pollock to take big step

What is Claudio Braga like as a team-mate? I caught up with ex-team-mate Emmanuel Troudart after his visit to Edinburgh to see Braga to get the inside view. ▪️ First impressions ▪️ The energy ▪️ How he led as a youngster ▪️ A nightmare for defenders 🔗 onlrl.co/n0pvkt

Blair Spittal, the under-appreciated Hearts star? A look at his impact as a squad player, why Derek McInnes identified him early on as a "key guy" and an important quality he adds to the midfield.

Heart of Midlothian have had a number of key performers. But five stand out as POTY candidates. @craigcairns.bsky.social presents the case for the quintet.

Marc Leonard was exactly what Hearts needed in January. A look at his addition - including a glowing reference - his impact, what he has added to the Hearts midfield and why Derek McInnes has been delighted.

Boyd Fraser follows Robbie Flockhart and Keir McMeekin in making Hearts B debut days after turning 16. Six 17-year-olds and five 16-year-olds started last night.

Lawrence Shankland is making good progress in his return from injury and is working towards what could be an earlier-than-expected return.

The current Hearts first-team squad is 30-strong and has 18 nationalities. Speak to any player and they will say it is one of the best of their career. Derek McInnes spoke on how it compares to ones he's managed, the unity and what he loves about it.

Hearts are guaranteed in the region of £400,000 in training compensation for Keir McMeekin's move to Manchester City. A life-changing transfer for the 16-year-old could net Hearts as much as £2m.

Colin Chisholm's rendition of The Hearts Song on Saturday was memorable. Had the pleasure of speaking to Colin and his son David about a special and poignant experience, the build-up and Marshall's, the Chunky Chicken Champions. 🗣️ "Oh, God, don't."

Cammy Devlin thinks he has a chance to return for Hearts against Kilmarnock next weekend alongside Oisin McEntee. The midfielder received an injection which has helped irritation. 🗣️ McInnes: "We're not going rule that out for him at the minute."

Hearts set for another sold-out away support at Rugby Park. Initial allocation of 3,500 sold out but second batch of tickets will take it beyond 4,000.

Hearts can end a 26-year wait for Scottish Youth Cup success when they face Queen's Park in the final. It came after defeating Kilmarnock, which ended with celebratory music blaring from the home dressing room. Reflections on a successful night at the Oriam.

Heart of Midlothian's penultimate fixture before the split has been moved for TV. A HUGE away following will be expected at Livingston next month.

Belated analysis from the 1-0 win over Aberdeen. It was all about the first-half performance. Playing forward, playing with width, man for man. It reflected the positivity and intensity of the support.

Claudio Braga is revelling in the increased responsibility in the Hearts attack. He revealed the role Shankland had to play in his goal and his new goal target, plus what it felt like to score in front of his dad and the feeling at Hearts.

Heart of Midlothian finish the weekend: - 6 points ahead of Rangers - 8 ahead of Celtic (they play their game in hand at Aberdeen on Wednesday) - 10 ahead of Motherwell (they play their game in hand v Dundee on Saturday) A couple of weeks of chill then Killie and Dundee.

Banners, ladders, songs. Nerves, excitement and belief. Inside a hugely enjoyable, successful and, at times, surreal day at Tynecastle Park as Heart of Midlothian defeat Aberdeen in front of a raucous home support.

Derek McInnes described the Hearts support as "brilliant". They played their part in the 1-0 win over Aberdeen, as did Blair Spittal, a resolute defence and the desire to go with a front two. McInnes explained the line-up decision and Ferguson.

Hearts will train in Edinburgh next week instead of going to Dubai. Plus, updates on Oisin McEntee, Craig Gordon and Ageu's operation. As well as Derek McInnes and Dennis Geiger encounter.

Hearts are monitoring the situation in the Middle East regarding their Dubai training camp. It is, as expected, very unlikely.

When Hearts went out to training yesterday morning, Derek McInnes had a full XI unavailable. A look at the current injury obstacle, how it will be dealt with and encouragement from evidence of this season.

Derek McInnes provided some insight into Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in Hearts and the title race ⏺️ Coming to the game on Saturday ⏺️ Makes notes of little nuggets or info ⏺️ What McInnes told Devlin that Ferguson had said [he hadn't]

Ageu has been ruled out for the season and Stuart Findlay six weeks. The latest on the Hearts injury situation including Kerjota, Baningime, McEntee, Gordon, Kingsely, Devlin and Shankland.

A number of Hearts first-team players featured in a bounce game at Oriam this afternoon. Rogers Mato, Sabah Kerjota, Jordi Altena were among those involved.

Islam Chesnokov has made history by becoming the first Kazakh player to play and score in Scottish football. His progress is being followed very closely and enthusiastically in his homeland.

Blair Spittal found out he was starting against Falkirk just minutes before the game started. He spoke about finding out he was starting, what McInnes told him, not playing much and the Tynecastle factor.

Some more points from Derek McInnes' post-match interview: 👉 What frustrated him about first-half performance 👉 Michael Steinwender praise and why he started 👉 Thanks to the Hearts fans 👉 Islam Chesnokov's getting "better and better" 🔗 onlrl.co/gxb03c

Derek McInnes provided an extensive injury update on a raft of players and praise for Blair Spittal. Updates on Beni, Findlay, Ageu, Gordon, Schwolow and McEntee. On Ageu, "I cannae dress it up, it's a huge blow for us".

Hearts secure a big win over Falkirk at Tynecastle Park to extend their Premiership lead, for at least 24 hours. It was a nerve-shredder but the team saw it over the line. As an aside, Shankland can't come back quickly enough.