Ross County 1 Heart of Midlothian 2

SPFL, Saturday 25 January 2014 – Global Energy Stadium

There has been much speculation in social media circles this week about the latest homecoming of the prodigal son to Tynecastle. Following the news that the SPFL will consider the possibility of Hearts bringing new players to Tynecastle on a one in, one out basis, the potential transfer of Adam King to Swansea has been seen as the key to Gorgie legend Rudi Skacel joining Hearts for a third time. Whether this story has any substance or not – although the player’s girlfriend has been dropping heavy hints on Twitter this week – it seems to have triggered a resurgence in feelings of optimism on Gorgie Road (even if the 21 point gap at the foot of the table before Saturday’s trip to the Highlands looked insurmountable)

After last week’s dramatic salvaging of a point from the jaws of defeat in Perth, Gary Locke’s young Hearts side went one better on Saturday afternoon and recorded their first win in the SPFL since their unexpected but nonetheless impressive 3-1 win at Aberdeen on 9 November.

More than 500 Hearts made the long journey to Dingwall on a day when you wouldn’t send a dog out and their continuing loyalty to the club was rewarded when Scott Robinson scored a late winner to record an impressive 2-1 win over Ross County, who had not lost a game in 2014 until Saturday.

Hearts manager Gary Locke made two changes to the team with impressive youngster Sam Nicholson replacing the suspended Ryan Stevenson and Scott Robinson in for Callum Tapping.

Hearts weren’t slow in taking an early command of the game and had chances aplenty in an entertaining first half. Sam Nicholson had an early chance before David Smith’s effort smacked off the post with Dale Carrick and Calum Paterson also coming close. The home side seemed lethargic and struggling to cope with the visitor’s pace. Hearts were creating chances but there was concern these opportunities weren’t being taken. However, eight minutes before half-time, the Gorgie boys scored the goal their play fully deserved. David Smith’s corner was knocked on to Callum Paterson who netted from close range. However, if the vociferous travelling support thought their side would go in at half-time a goal to the good they were sadly mistaken. Just on the half-time whistle, a free-kick into the Hearts penalty box found Songo’o and the on-loan defender from Blackburn Rovers sent a powerful header beyond Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald to level the scores at the break.

In the second half it was the home side who began to take command of the game and for ten minute period they pinned Hearts in their own half. However, for all their possession, the Staggies only really threatened Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald once when goalscorer Songo’o fired in a long range effort which the Gorgie number one saved well.

With the game heading for a draw there would have been some Hearts supporters thinking back to 23 November and their team’s last visit to Dingwall when the Tynecastle team led 1-0 with three minutes to go only to lose 2-1. This fixture has a habit of producing late goals and so it proved again on Saturday – only, this time, it was the team from the capital city who triumphed. With ten minutes left, David Smith’s cross was only partly dealt with by home keeper Fraser. The industrious Scott Robinson latched on to the loose ball and steered it into the net from around eight yards. Joy for the young Hearts players and travelling support and Hearts may well have had a third when Kevin McHattie set off on a mazy run towards the County goal only to see his shot saved by Fraser.

When the final whistle blew moments later, Hearts had clinched three points. They may not be valuable, given the gap at the foot of the table is now 19 points, but they were very welcome nonetheless and meant Gary Locke’s side have now wiped out the 15 point deficit imposed on them at the start of the season after going into administration.

After the game, an upbeat Gary Locke gave his assessment of the game.

“It was a fantastic performance" said the manager, “County had a little spell just after half-time but I felt by then we might have been three or four goals up. I’m delighted for the boys because they've worked really hard all season and they've never really got the rewards they deserved, but today it was a fantastic performance and a fantastic result. One thing about these boys is that they never give up. We’re all now looking forward to a big week ahead”

The long journey back was a happy one for those magnificent Hearts supporters as they contemplate Wednesday’s re-arranged SPFL Premiership fixture with St. Mirren at Tynecastle and, more importantly, next weekend’s Scottish League Cup semi-final tie against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Easter Road. Given Hearts financial situation, reaching the League Cup final could prove crucial.

After last week’s comeback at St. Johnstone, perhaps Edinburgh’s finest are beginning to find form at just the right time.

Ross County: Fraser, Gordon, Songo’o, Brittain, McLean, Oikonomou, Kiss, Tidser, Arquin, Slew, Carey

Hearts: MacDonald, McHattie, McKay, Hamill, Wilson, McGowan, Smith, Carrick, Paterson, Robinson, Nicholson.

Att: 4,016

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Top man: The impressive Sam Nicholson – this man has a bright future.

Billy Brown Leaves Hearts

Hearts have announced that assistant manager Billy Brown is to leave the club. Brown, 63, is in his third spell at Tynecastle having assisted previous manager and close friend Jim Jefferies on two previous occasions.

Hearts announced the decision on their official website, stating ‘a need to maintain financial prudence, therefore a reduction in football costs was required.’

A club spokesperson said: "We would like to put on record our gratitude to Billy for his sterling efforts in helping Gary since his arrival in July. He has been of considerable assistance to Hearts over the last six months and we know he appreciates the need to refresh the team coupled with the need for continued financial prudence. We wish him well in the future."

Brown had volunteered his services at the beginning of the season, having left the manager’s post at East Fife at the end of last season. He then signed a short-term deal. Despite his obvious disappointment at not having his contract at Tynecastle extended, Brown urged the supporters to continue backing Gary Locke and the team, saying: "I am very disappointed my contract will not be renewed but that is the way things are at the club and I have to accept that.

"I was really pleased when I was asked to assist Gary at the start of the season. Having worked with Gary as a player over a great number of years I was always of the opinion that he had the making of a top manager and I've seen nothing to change my mind. The way he has handled a very difficult situation has been magnificent. I urge all supporters to get behind Gary and the team for the remainder of the season and would like to thank everybody who has helped me, especially the players and staff whose spirit remains remarkable."

Brown’s final appearance in the Hearts dugout will be for this weekend’s trip to St. Johnstone in the SPFL Premiership. Hearts stated they would not be seeking a replacement which may well mean Under 21 coach Robbie Neilson assisting Locke with first team matters.

There is speculation that should Hearts sell youngster Adam King to FA Premiership side Swansea City – the Welsh side have reportedly offered £250,000 for the youngster – this would open the door for the return to Tynecastle of the prodigal son, Rudi Skacel. However, any such move would not be able to take place before 1 February and Czech born Skacel is presently considering an offer from his old friend and former Hearts playing partner Paul Hartley to play for Alloa Athletic.

Heart of Midlothian 3 Aberdeen 0

Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 31 March 2012 - Tynecastle

Not for the first time in recent seasons Hearts put Aberdeen to the sword at Tynecastle - and not for the first time in recent weeks Rudi Skacel ran the show. The Czech Republic attacking midfielder scored two cracking goals against an Aberdeen team that showed little up front and looked vulnerable at the back.

It has to be said it was something of a tedious game with both teams perhaps having forthcoming Scottish Cup semi-finals on their minds. The atmosphere, too, usually fervent for a clash with The Dons in Gorgie was somewhat muted. After a dull first 25 minutes, Australian Ryan McGowan - who had a fine afternoon - headed home Hearts opening goal from a Danny Grainger corner kick. Although Aberdeen came forward on numerous occasions in the first half, home keeper Jamie MacDonald could have sat next to me in the Wheatfield Stand for all he had to do.

The game was livened up considerably eight minutes into the second half when Skacel collected the ball midway inside the Aberdeen half, took a couple of steps forward before crashing home a magnificent left foot shot from 25 yards that soared away from visiting keeper Brown to double Hearts lead. It was one of the best goals seen at Tynecastle for some time and typical of the man the fans adore.

Skacel had a chance to score again soon after but was denied by what appeared to be the arm of an Aberdeen defender in the penalty box - but no penalty said referee Willie Collum. With minutes to go, Aberdeen's Scott Vernon missed a glorious chance to make a game of it when he hooked a pass from Hughes high into the Roseburn Stand, to the despair of the visiting support whose anguish increased moments later when that man Skacel controlled Darren Barr's pass superbly before rifling the ball past Brown to complete the scoring at 3-0 to the home side.

Curiously, Hearts have played better and lost but there was no denying the quality of Rudi Skacel's goals. Getting the man 'who scores when he wants' to sign on again for next season has to be a priority. Aberdeen manager Craig Brown came out with a curious statement after the game when he said his keeper didn't have a save to make all afternoon. Perhaps if he had made three his side would have gained a point...

Top man: tempting though it is to say Rudi Skacel, for me it was Ryan McGowan, whose determination shone through.

Skacel Acknowledges Hibs Fans at Easter Road

Return of the Great One

The people of Scotland's capital city were expectant. It was his first time back here for several few years. A man worshipped by many flew in to Edinburgh Airport today to the adulation of thousands across Edinburgh and beyond. It was a day of great joy.

Welcome back Rudi Skacel.....