Heart of Midlothian Football Club: Introduction

Heart of Midlothian Football Club, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Scotland. Based in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, the club’s roots are deeply tied to the local community, making it a central part of the city’s sporting identity. Hearts are recognized for their maroon kits and have a passionate fanbase.

Currently, Hearts play football in the Scottish Premiership. Staff at the Fanbase here hope that the club does well and that the supporters taste success. Below is our overview of the club and fans:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

• Nickname: Hearts, The Jam Tarts, The Jambos
• Stadium: Tynecastle Park (Capacity: 19,852)
• Location: Gorgie, Edinburgh
• Owner: The Foundation of Hearts (a fan-led ownership model)
• Manager: (As of 2023) Steven Naismith

History

The club’s name is derived from the Heart of Midlothian, a historic symbol on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Indeed, Hearts were one of the original members of the Scottish Football League in 1890 and quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in Scotland.

Hearts enjoyed particular success in two key periods:

1. Early 20th Century: Hearts were dominant, winning four Scottish league titles by 1960.
2. Modern Success: More recent successes include victories in the Scottish Cup and consistent top-tier finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club: Achievements

Hearts have a rich history, with numerous domestic titles:

• Scottish League Championships: 4 (1894–95, 1896–97, 1957–58, 1959–60)
• Scottish Cup: 8 titles (first in 1891; most recent in 2012)
• Scottish League Cup: 4 titles (first in 1954; most recent in 1962)

Up to 2017, Hearts have also been runners-up in Scotland’s top league 14 times.

Indeed, the club has won many minor honours and been runners-up on many occasions too. They were also the fifth British football club to play in European competitions too. So, Hearts have a decent history and a pretty impressive trophy cabinet.

Memorable Moments

• 1957 Scottish Cup Final: One of the most memorable achievements was a dominant 7-0 win over Rangers, one of the most lopsided victories in the tournament’s history.
• 1986 Close Call: Hearts came incredibly close to winning the league title in 1986 but lost out on the final day of the season.
• 2006 Scottish Cup Victory: The club won the Scottish Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout against Gretna. This came during a period of financial turmoil and foreign ownership, which ultimately led to significant changes in the club’s structure.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club: Tynecastle Stadium

Hearts have played at Tynecastle Park since 1886. Known for its close proximity to the pitch, the stadium is famous for creating an intense atmosphere. It has also undergone various renovations over the years, including the most recent redevelopment in 2017, which increased its capacity and modernized its facilities.

With a large capacity, the crowd makes a cracking atmosphere when full up.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club: Rivalries

Hearts have a fierce rivalry with Hibernian F.C., their cross-city rivals from Edinburgh. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Edinburgh Derby, one of the most hotly contested fixtures in Scottish football.

• Hearts historically have the upper hand in the Edinburgh Derby, though matches are often highly unpredictable.

Ownership: Foundation of Hearts

One of the club’s most distinctive features is its fan ownership model. Following financial troubles under the ownership of Lithuanian businessman Vladimir Romanov, the club nearly went into liquidation in 2013. In response, the Foundation of Hearts, a supporters’ group, stepped in to stabilize the club. By 2021, the Foundation completed the transfer of ownership, making Hearts one of the largest fan-owned clubs in the UK.

Notable Players

Hearts have produced and attracted several top players over the years. Some notable players include:

• John Robertson: The club’s all-time leading scorer, known as “The Hammer of Hibs” for his goal-scoring exploits against their local rivals.
• Craig Gordon: An outstanding goalkeeper who had two spells with Hearts and enjoyed a successful career with Scotland and in the English Premier League with Sunderland.
• Gary Mackay: Hearts’ all-time appearance holder with over 600 matches for the club.
• Rudi Skácel: A key player in Hearts’ 2006 Scottish Cup win, adored by fans for his passion and performances.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club: Recent Years

In the past decade, Hearts have experienced a roller-coaster of emotions, including relegation to the Scottish Championship and bouncing back to the Premiership. However, their strong performances in recent seasons and their fan-ownership model have revitalized the club. Furthermore, Hearts have consistently aimed to qualify for European competitions and have remained competitive in domestic cups.

• 2021/2022 Season: Hearts finished third in the Scottish Premiership, securing qualification for European competition (Europa League/Conference League).

Culture and Identity

Hearts have a strong community focus, partly due to their fan ownership. The fans, often called “Jambos,” are known for their loyalty, with Tynecastle considered one of the best atmospheres in Scottish football.

In the wider culture, the name “Heart of Midlothian” and its historical association have inspired various works of literature, most notably by the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The heart-shaped mosaic at the Royal Mile still symbolizes the connection between Edinburgh and the football club.

Hearts Today

As of the 2023/2024 season, Hearts continue to establish themselves as a club with ambition. Their combination of fan engagement, improved financial stability, and a focus on youth development ensures that they remain a significant force in Scottish football.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club: In Conclusion

Heart of Midlothian F.C. represents a rich blend of history, tradition, and community spirit. With a proud record of success, particularly in domestic cup competitions, and a promising future under fan ownership, Hearts are a club deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s culture and Scottish football.

Promote Heart of Midlothian Football Club

Of course, you want to see the promotion of Hearts. Well, the Football Fan Base is the ideal place to brag about your favourite team. Starting with the large soccer blogs, you can reply or create your own posts there.

With this in mind, you are now able to enjoy the football banter with other like-minded supporters. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead with the Heart of Midlothian promotion party here at the Football Fanbase.

**Information updated on September 9, 2024.