***Official Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell Match Thread***

[tartofmidlothian]

Hope the team get it right up them, take back 7th and give us something to cheer at Tynecastle again for the first time in ages, the fans deserve it.

 

Shankland to score again.

[19/05/2012]

Same starting 11 plays until we lose got to try get some consistency rest of the season 

[heartsfc_fan]

Just now, 19/05/2012 said:

Same starting 11 plays until we lose got to try get some consistency rest of the season 

This

[tartofmidlothian]

29 minutes ago, 19/05/2012 said:

Same starting 11 plays until we lose got to try get some consistency rest of the season 

 

Seems fair enough, but I wonder if Devlin or McCart might be back because their absence was enforced?

[grumpyespana]

12 hours ago, 19/05/2012 said:

Same starting 11 plays until we lose got to try get some consistency rest of the season 

Hope not lol that display at times was terrible but good to see Shanks on the score sheet again.

[OTT]

I would make 2 changes, Hoff for Grant & Dhanda for Spittal. 

[neiljb]

Not sure that McCart will replace Hackett.

 

Beni and Devlin are fine together against the better teams, but not bottom 6 opposition. Either one for me.

 

The only change l would make would be Hoff starting ahead of Grant. 

[Harry Potter]

2-0 us.

[GinRummy]

2 hours ago, neiljb said:

Not sure that McCart will replace Hackett.

 

Beni and Devlin are fine together against the better teams, but not bottom 6 opposition. Either one for me.

 

The only change l would make would be Hoff starting ahead of Grant. 

Not nit picking but surely Devlin is behind Beni. Cammy has had a good season but if one of them is playing it must be Beni. 

[Juho_Makela_Goal_Machine]

Clark

Forrester Steinwender McCart Milne

Beni

Kartum Spittal

Musa Kabangu Dhanda

 

Chance for some of the fringe players who are under contract next season to show what they are about. Couple good performances from Dhanda or Musa could really help with shifting them in the Summer.

 

Kabangu playing for his Hearts future, Kartum and Spittal probably at risk of being replaced for next season so that motivates them.

 

[kila]

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/fox-we-re-looking-to-finish-strong

 

Finally on team news, Fox confirmed that Jamie McCart will miss the visit of the Steelmen but Cammy Devlin is back and available.
 
“Cammy Devlin's back in and available. And, again, he's trained well this week. Jamie McCart is still going to be missing. So, he was back out in the grass doing a wee bit this morning, which is positive for him. Zander Clark has joined back in in the last couple of days. But this weekend might just come a wee bit early for him.”

[Penrices left boot]

6-3 all over it.

[Scott Leitch]

Just now, Penrices left boot said:

6-3 all over it.

Lol

[tartofmidlothian]

2 hours ago, kila said:

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/fox-we-re-looking-to-finish-strong

 

Finally on team news, Fox confirmed that Jamie McCart will miss the visit of the Steelmen but Cammy Devlin is back and available.
 
“Cammy Devlin's back in and available. And, again, he's trained well this week. Jamie McCart is still going to be missing. So, he was back out in the grass doing a wee bit this morning, which is positive for him. Zander Clark has joined back in in the last couple of days. But this weekend might just come a wee bit early for him.”

 

Wonder if that means we'll be seeing Clark before the end of the season? Probably against Killie, there's no way Gordon's being dropped for potentially his final game at Tynecastle.

[joondalupjambo]

30 minutes ago, tartofmidlothian said:

 

Wonder if that means we'll be seeing Clark before the end of the season? Probably against Killie, there's no way Gordon's being dropped for potentially his final game at Tynecastle.

Gordon would need to announce his retirement this week, and when in order to get a decent crowd either against Motherwell on Saturday or St Johnstone on the following Wednesday.

 

If we beat Motherwell suspect we will get a lower crowd against St Johnstone and it would be a shame if he played in a game that was not a full house.  Interesting dilemma for him.

 

I think he might be considering playing on for a year so as to be involved with Scotland however maybe not for Hearts.  Unless of course he has told Clark already he is packing it in.

 

 

 

 

[Red Card Ref]

I just hope Sander Kartum has binned his white and green boots. If not, I'll never accept him as one of ours. Childish it may be. But that is a big no-no for me. 

[jamboozy]

Home win. 2-0 Shankland and the Hoff.

[Robbo-Jambo]

5 hours ago, kila said:

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/fox-we-re-looking-to-finish-strong

 

Finally on team news, Fox confirmed that Jamie McCart will miss the visit of the Steelmen but Cammy Devlin is back and available.
 
“Cammy Devlin's back in and available. And, again, he's trained well this week. Jamie McCart is still going to be missing. So, he was back out in the grass doing a wee bit this morning, which is positive for him. Zander Clark has joined back in in the last couple of days. But this weekend might just come a wee bit early for him.”

McCart missed a few games since his arrival. 

[Aussie Jambo]

2-0 Shanks & Hoff. 

[colinmaroon]

On 04/05/2025 at 14:47, neiljb said:

Not sure that McCart will replace Hackett.

 

Beni and Devlin are fine together against the better teams, but not

 

6 opposition. Either one for me.

 

The only change l would make would be Hoff starting ahead of Grant. 

 

 

McCart not fit

 

 

[Hungry hippo]

Was 100% expecting to keep the same team but less certain after reading Fox's quotes about Forrest and Vargas today.

 

He said "that might be different this weekend... different threats in different areas".

 

Fox might just be keeping his cards close to his chest but feels like there could be some changes.

[martoon]

On 03/05/2025 at 23:13, tartofmidlothian said:

 

Seems fair enough, but I wonder if Devlin or McCart might be back because their absence was enforced?

 

Cammy is definitely in the starting XI on Saturday.

 

It's the first time I've ever been itk.

 

😊

 

 

[Pasquale for King]

1 hour ago, Hungry hippo said:

Was 100% expecting to keep the same team but less certain after reading Fox's quotes about Forrest and Vargas today.

 

He said "that might be different this weekend... different threats in different areas".

 

Fox might just be keeping his cards close to his chest but feels like there could be some changes.

Maybe going 442 at home, Wilson in for Vargas and Devlin for Grant, Forrest wide right and Spittal left.

[No Idle Talk]

Motherwell are turd. We were in a bad place when we drew 0-0 with them a few weeks ago. I feel we are in a slightly better place now that Neil Critchley has been shunted.

 

Heart of Midlothian 3 Motherwell 0.

[chrisyboy7]

5 hours ago, No Idle Talk said:

Motherwell are turd. We were in a bad place when we drew 0-0 with them a few weeks ago. I feel we are in a slightly better place now that Neil Critchley has been shunted.

 

Heart of Midlothian 3 Motherwell 0.

This

[rocketman19]

Just get it mathematically confirmed tomorrow and Monday and play players who going to be here next season alongside some of the most promising youngsters for last 2 games 

[Robbo-Jambo]

8 hours ago, Pasquale for King said:

Maybe going 442 at home, Wilson in for Vargas and Devlin for Grant, Forrest wide right and Spittal left.

I would try Milne at left back and push Penrice further forward. Spittal has rubbish for months. 

[TexasAndy]

First weekend for months going to a game not feeling the 'must win' pressure.  I know we are no yet safe but looking at permutations and goal difference it would take something mental for us to end up 11th.  I think Fox will likely start with same 11.  He's not going to mess around considering he's also trying to market himself.  Looking forward to a few beers and 3 points.

[whodanny]

10 minutes ago, TexasAndy said:

First weekend for months going to a game not feeling the 'must win' pressure.  I know we are no yet safe but looking at permutations and goal difference it would take something mental for us to end up 11th.  I think Fox will likely start with same 11.  He's not going to mess around considering he's also trying to market himself.  Looking forward to a few beers and 3 points.

Pretty much how I'm feeling. Just a relaxed day out, couple of beers and amble along to Tynecastle for the game.  Unless things go wrong of course...  

[bigdav]

I think McKay will start given how Fox was bumming him up in the press yesterday.

[Robbo-Jambo]

17 minutes ago, bigdav said:

I think McKay will start given how Fox was bumming him up in the press yesterday.

Ffs

[We_are_the_Hearts]

21 minutes ago, bigdav said:

I think McKay will start given how Fox was bumming him up in the press yesterday.

Most talented player at the club but what an under achiever

[john thomas]

1 hour ago, We_are_the_Hearts said:

Most talented player at the club but what an under achiever

Absolutely correct. Doubt anyone on here actually knows what went wrong ?

Rumours about not having recovered from an injury properly, lazy etc etc .

When he was still appearing (mostly as sub ?) his figures for creating chances were best in league . Mind you he was still getting dogs abuse on here 

[BervieJambo]

To me, these last 3 games are all about prep for next season.

Kent, Halkett, Kingsley, Hoff & Kartum all need minutes in their legs, so they should all be playing. The same could probably be said for Dhanda, Milne,  Vargas and Neilson. I would give Neilson a run out at RB to see how well he performs and if he could be the cover there next season, which would allow us to consider sending Forrester out on loan.

Forrest & Shankland both had a bit of a confidence boost last week, so you keep that going. Kabangu is playing for a contract.

That’s 12 outfield players to make the most of over the next week - Beni & Penrice have done their bit, so can enjoy a rest.

Tomorrow, I’d go with

             Gordon

Neilson Kent Halkett Kingsley

      Kartum Hoff Dhanda

   Vargas Shankland Forrest

 

[FIGJAM]

11 hours ago, Pasquale for King said:

Maybe going 442 at home, Wilson in for Vargas and Devlin for Grant, Forrest wide right and Spittal left.

Don’t expect many changes, would like to see people who are going to be here next year get minutes. And would also like to ensure those players who are not but been great servants to the club getting a proper send off.

Would have loved to see a few younger ones getting a few minutes but with all that said, suggest similar starting 11 and squad, with Devlin back after illness.

[5jambo1]

If it was me I would be tempted to play players who are going to be here next season and then fill the gaps with the best of the rest. If rumours are true about those leaving, I just don’t see the point in Kent (if going back down south) Shankland, McKay, Forrest, Grant, Vargas etc all playing. Only problem is, have we actually got enough good players to fill a team without all the players away at the end of the season? I would also like to see a couple of the best performing youngers from the b team over the season make the bench
 

Fox will want to make a name for himself by getting a win so think we will see a team similar to last week with it being a good performance 

[Jim Panzee]

it's a tricky one and can see the pro's for all the suggestions on here.

 

1. play as many players we assume will be here next season (no guarantees on this tho as some may look themselves to move onto pastures new)

 

2. Include some players who may not be here net season to give them a send off (might still see Gordon, Shanks, Halkett, Kent etc here next term tho)

 

3. Play a 4-4-2 with Wilson back up top with Shanks

 

4. Fox to continue playing non JTA players

 

5. Never change a winning team - so stick with what we had v county.

 

Suppose this is the only interest we have now after the (utterly shite) split.

[copa-mundial]

Just over 24 hours to kick off for this one, and the thread hasn't even made page 2 yet. 

Just goes to show how much of poor season this has been, and what little "meh" importance the game means to some. 

 

I'm hoping with the pressure being off for both teams that the game will be open. 

Players being able to make a pass forward that they wouldn't have done a few weeks/games ago. Where the safer option would have been better. Now be a bit more adventurous. 

 

The wingers also. Go run at your full back. Try your luck, doesn't happen the first time, or second, keep at it. 

 

Thinking it could be a high scoring game. Hearts to win by the odd goal in 5. 

[Pasquale for King]

5 hours ago, Robbo-Jambo said:

I would try Milne at left back and push Penrice further forward. Spittal has rubbish for months. 

Cant disagree about Spittal, Don’t really see the point in that though until Penrice lifts his head before he crosses, and as he said himself he needs someone to pass him the ball to get into position.

[Pasquale for King]

2 hours ago, 5jambo1 said:

If it was me I would be tempted to play players who are going to be here next season and then fill the gaps with the best of the rest. If rumours are true about those leaving, I just don’t see the point in Kent (if going back down south) Shankland, McKay, Forrest, Grant, Vargas etc all playing. Only problem is, have we actually got enough good players to fill a team without all the players away at the end of the season? I would also like to see a couple of the best performing youngers from the b team over the season make the bench
 

Fox will want to make a name for himself by getting a win so think we will see a team similar to last week with it being a good performance 

Definitely, but as you say Fox will want to win all these games to keep himself in a job or to impress someone elsewhere.

[BT1874]

Hearts to win 2-1 here. Motherwell are rank rotten and if we take our chances it’ll be a easy 3-1 for us but I’m sticking to the 2 🤞🏼

[The Treasurer]

19 hours ago, Red Card Ref said:

I just hope Sander Kartum has binned his white and green boots. If not, I'll never accept him as one of ours. Childish it may be. But that is a big no-no for me. 

When I saw him warming up behind the goals at Dingwall that was the first thing I thought about .

Someone needs to have a quiet word in his ear 

 

[Ron Burgundy]

3 minutes ago, The Treasurer said:

When I saw him warming up behind the goals at Dingwall that was the first thing I thought about .

Someone needs to have a quiet word in his ear 

 

Petty as it may be but I would expect a manager to ask him if he knows what colour our rivals play in and if he thinks that maybe wearing them is a tad stupid. It's the little things that show how soft we are.

 

[Jacques de Gatineau]

20 hours ago, Red Card Ref said:

I just hope Sander Kartum has binned his white and green boots. If not, I'll never accept him as one of ours. Childish it may be. But that is a big no-no for me. 

I shouted this at him a few weeks ago when he got subbed. Obviously doesn't care. Which is good, because find myself caring more about his boots than about him as a player. Total passenger who should be flipped in the summer and replaced by someone who can run faster me at 42 and who can stand up to a shoulder charge with more strength than a limp lettuce.

[Jim Panzee]

3 hours ago, copa-mundial said:

Just goes to show how much of poor season this has been, and what little "meh" importance the game means to some. 

but we keep getting told the split keeps it interesting to the end of the season............

[Captain Sausage]

Completely pointless game, so no doubt we'll cruise to a straightforward win.

 

Team I'd like to see:

Gordon

Forrester Steinwender McCart Penrice

Vargas Beni Hoff Spittal

Kabangu Wilson

 

Team I expect to see:

Gordon

Forrester Kent Halkett Penrice

Beni Devlin

Forrest Grant Vargas

Shankland

 

Cannot wait til the season is over and most of these pricks leave.

 

[Red Card Ref]

59 minutes ago, Jacques de Gatineau said:

I shouted this at him a few weeks ago when he got subbed. Obviously doesn't care. Which is good, because find myself caring more about his boots than about him as a player. Total passenger who should be flipped in the summer and replaced by someone who can run faster me at 42 and who can stand up to a shoulder charge with more strength than a limp lettuce.

Yeah, absolutely hate to see a soft Hearts player. Then you see his white and green boots. Na, he's not for me. 

 

If he goes maroon boots for next season, gets our crest tattooed on his heart and starts getting in paggers wi Hibbys up George Street at the weekends, I'd be willing to reconsider.

[DixieNormous]

On 04/05/2025 at 14:35, OTT said:

I would make 2 changes, Hoff for Grant & Dhanda for Spittal. 

fair play - guess its all inconsequential from here on in (other than pride/confidence etc)

 

Actually surprised noone seems to have mentioned DMs preferred 442 or 4231 anywhere (if its him)

 

Not averse to losing the wingbacks - unless your very well drilled/fit as a flea I can assure you its a hell of a shift

[Martin B]

On 04/05/2025 at 14:47, neiljb said:

Beni and Devlin are fine together against the better teams, but not bottom 6 opposition. Either one for me.

Like when we beat Dundee 6-0.

[Hungry hippo]

8 hours ago, bigdav said:

I think McKay will start given how Fox was bumming him up in the press yesterday.

 

I wouldn't guarantee it based on the press conference. No surprise Fox was asked about him and inevitable that he replied with positive things.