Picture from SNS via the BBC website Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 13 February 2010 - Tynecastle
Jim Jefferies first game at Tynecastle since returning as Hearts manager a fortnight ago was different to most of the other games played in Gorgie this season - it was eventful. And Hearts scored three goals in one game for the first time since Moses was a lad...
An alleged dressing room bust-up involving Christian Nade and Ian Black saw the former omitted from the Hearts squad today. Reports that Nade swung a punch at the former Caley Thistle player - and missed - are unsubstantiated. Skipper Michael Stewart was suspended for today's game - he and Nade are out of contract at the end of the season and the sensible money is on them being shown the Tynecastle exit door.
The truth is Hearts played better without them. Helped by an early goal from Lee Wallace, Hearts played reasonably well in parts of the game. It's clear, even at this early stage, that the Jefferies influence is playing a part. More passing, moving forward with purpose and a team spirit that perhaps was lacking before. Falkirk levelled through a Kucharski own goal just before half-time but Suso restored Hearts lead early in the second half. Then Ian Black scored an absolute screamer from twenty five yards to put Hearts 3-1 ahead and while Falkirk scored late on to jangle a few nerves, it was a deserved win for the maroons.
Much work lies ahead but for the first time in weeks there are encouraging signs. The prodigal son has returned to Tynecastle - and so has a smidgen of optimism...
The futures bright, the futures maroon!
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