Footballfirst Posted January 2 Posted January 2 The park was fine, but it was bloody cold. Hearts deserved their win after coming back from a half time deficit, but in truth they played better and created more chances in the first half. Donkor must have put in five good crosses in that half, but there were no takers. UoS got in front when Jamie MacDonald should have done better from a shot from the edge of the box. The ball to came back off his chest as he dived to his right, allowing the UoS player to net the rebound. The second half was pretty devoid of chances, but Hearts got a break when Connor Dow's shot from the edge of the box was deflected past the keeper to level the game. Donkor then got to the bye line for the first time in the half and, on this occasion, Tommy North was on hand at the near post to turn the ball past the keeper to put Hearts ahead. For once Hearts managed to see out the game fairly comfortably. Although UoS pressed for a late equaliser, they didn't create a chance of note, while Hearts were content to clear their lines by lumping the ball up the park.
JamboRed Posted January 3 Posted January 3 That was a cold night. Thought the youngsters were unlucky to go in a goal down at half time, as they had plenty of chances to be ahead. Thought MacDonald could maybe have dealt with the original shot leading to the goal and the Uni were first to react. I did think MacDonald helps the back 4 out massively and hopefully Tas and Lyon can take that on. Second half was a bit more even, but Hearts did take 2 of the chances. 1st goal was a nice touch by Haddow into Dow, who's shot took a big deflection by the goalkeeper. 2nd goal was good play by Haddow who then put Donkor in behind the defence and his cutback (one of many) was slotted home by Captain North. Worthy winners and good battling at times as well. Just wondering about Crookston. Academy player of the year last season and seems to be getting limited time this season. I was hoping to see him kick on again, but it just hasn't happened. Hopefully he can either get a run of games or sort out a loan move.
JamboRed Posted January 6 Posted January 6 I see Bobby McLuckie has signed on loan with East Kilbride for the rest of the season. I can see a few others getting a loan move or possibly moved on in the next few weeks.
Footballfirst Posted January 9 Posted January 9 The B Team game at Cumbernauld tomorrow has been called off. Hearts U18s are at home to Hibs U18s in the SFA Youth Cup on Tuesday night. Hearts U17s beat Hibs U17s 4-1 at the Oriam this evening, with goals from Jayden Mathie (3) and Allan Clark.
Chuck Berry Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 (edited) On 06/01/2026 at 21:19, JamboRed said: I see Bobby McLuckie has signed on loan with East Kilbride for the rest of the season. I can see a few others getting a loan move or possibly moved on in the next few weeks. Euan Glasgow and Tommy North away to Montrose. Seems absolutely clear, despite not being specifically mentioned in the "Hearts Way" media release, the B team won't be competing in the Lowland League next season, and those not out on loan are being hung out to dry a wee bit with the amount of departures on loan. Could be a tough run to the end of the season for them. Edited January 9 by Chuck Berry
soonbe110 Posted January 9 Posted January 9 5 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said: Euan Glasgow and Tommy North away to Montrose. Seems absolutely clear, despite not being specifically mentioned in the "Hearts Way" media release, the B team won't be competing in the Lowland League next season, and those not out on loan are being hung out to dry a wee bit with the amount of departures on loan. Could be a tough run to the end of the season for them. Player development is top priority for the club. Loans to tiers above LL make sense. We all know B team is in final stages
Chuck Berry Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 9 minutes ago, soonbe110 said: Player development is top priority for the club. Loans to tiers above LL make sense. We all know B team is in final stages Yeah I know that, but the club have said nothing about the B team (although we can guess), and we still need a reasonably competitive team on the park to help those younger players that'll need to be drafted in. We still have most of the top half of the LL to play.
Footballfirst Posted January 9 Posted January 9 6 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said: We still have most of the top half of the LL to play. Yes, 6 of their next 7 games are against teams in the top 7. Would have been 7 out of 8 against the top 8 had tomorrow's game gone ahead.
soonbe110 Posted January 9 Posted January 9 9 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said: Yeah I know that, but the club have said nothing about the B team (although we can guess), and we still need a reasonably competitive team on the park to help those younger players that'll need to be drafted in. We still have most of the top half of the LL to play. Agreed but needs must I suppose. The young guys that get a chance will likely be out on loans next season or playing at the correct age level. Some may even be out on loan in LL if that’s allowed. Need to wait to find out what the set up is next season. May not even be finalised yet.
Threedoorsdown Posted January 9 Posted January 9 1 hour ago, Footballfirst said: The B Team game at Cumbernauld tomorrow has been called off. Hearts U18s are at home to Hibs U18s in the SFA Youth Cup on Tuesday night. Hearts U17s beat Hibs U17s 4-1 at the Oriam this evening, with goals from Jayden Mathie (3) and Allan Clark. Where is the game being played on Tuesday? Will go if the weather isn’t atrocious.
Chuck Berry Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 3 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: Yes, 6 of their next 7 games are against teams in the top 7. Would have been 7 out of 8 against the top 8 had tomorrow's game gone ahead. Correct and it's just become that little bit harder. There was already a lack of depth with some games only having 4 or 5 on the bench.
Chuck Berry Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 Just now, Threedoorsdown said: Where is the game being played on Tuesday? Will go if the weather isn’t atrocious. Oriam
Footballfirst Posted January 9 Posted January 9 20 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said: Correct and it's just become that little bit harder. There was already a lack of depth with some games only having 4 or 5 on the bench. We may see a few of the 2010s get a run out (at least from the bench). It was the Clark twins 16th birthday today, then Kellock, Flockhart and Fraser will all be 16 within the next 8 weeks.
JamboRed Posted January 10 Posted January 10 10 hours ago, Chuck Berry said: Euan Glasgow and Tommy North away to Montrose. Seems absolutely clear, despite not being specifically mentioned in the "Hearts Way" media release, the B team won't be competing in the Lowland League next season, and those not out on loan are being hung out to dry a wee bit with the amount of departures on loan. Could be a tough run to the end of the season for them. It does definitely seem this way. I think with recent team selections and boys not getting many minutes or in squads, that they are starting to phase some out. It'll seem very hard on these boys, but ultimately Hearts have got to look at what is best for the club and not individuals. I really think the LL has been very good for the development of most boys. Takes them out of the "academy" environment, so the earlier they do it with them, then the more ot helps with development. It bridges a gap between academy football and league football for me. Hopefully we hear more in the next few weeks or so, but I'll be very surprised if there will be many, if any 05/06s in the building for next season. Tait might possibly be the only one.
FIGJAM Posted January 10 Posted January 10 13 hours ago, Footballfirst said: We may see a few of the 2010s get a run out (at least from the bench). It was the Clark twins 16th birthday today, then Kellock, Flockhart and Fraser will all be 16 within the next 8 weeks. Undoubtedly. Every player 2009 and older must be looking at the lack of games (u17 and u19) and thinking without B Team next year it is going to be very different. Those 4 or 5 that I speak to regularly out on loan just now are not speaking highly of the Hearts Way experience. The elite 2010s choices will be to go down south or seek the 4 times academy salary at the OF. There is absolutely nothing to keep the better players at Hearts. Sad but very true.
Babertonhearts Posted January 10 Posted January 10 23 minutes ago, FIGJAM said: Undoubtedly. Every player 2009 and older must be looking at the lack of games (u17 and u19) and thinking without B Team next year it is going to be very different. Those 4 or 5 that I speak to regularly out on loan just now are not speaking highly of the Hearts Way experience. The elite 2010s choices will be to go down south or seek the 4 times academy salary at the OF. There is absolutely nothing to keep the better players at Hearts. Sad but very true. "The Hearts way" is trying to reinvent the wheel, a lot of bullshit.
jambo-rocker Posted January 10 Posted January 10 31 minutes ago, FIGJAM said: Undoubtedly. Every player 2009 and older must be looking at the lack of games (u17 and u19) and thinking without B Team next year it is going to be very different. Those 4 or 5 that I speak to regularly out on loan just now are not speaking highly of the Hearts Way experience. The elite 2010s choices will be to go down south or seek the 4 times academy salary at the OF. There is absolutely nothing to keep the better players at Hearts. Sad but very true. Everything about the 'Hearts way' scream honking sound bites with no substance to it.
Footballfirst Posted January 10 Posted January 10 Always good to hear about our loanees playing well. He's highly unlikely to be a Hearts player after the end of the season, but should be able to find another club fairly easily.
Chuck Berry Posted January 10 Author Posted January 10 8 hours ago, FIGJAM said: Undoubtedly. Every player 2009 and older must be looking at the lack of games (u17 and u19) and thinking without B Team next year it is going to be very different. Those 4 or 5 that I speak to regularly out on loan just now are not speaking highly of the Hearts Way experience. The elite 2010s choices will be to go down south or seek the 4 times academy salary at the OF. There is absolutely nothing to keep the better players at Hearts. Sad but very true. That's now a big problem facing the U19's unless something changes, lack of games. There just isn't enough of them at that level and it wont come close to replicating thre LL environment of tough competitive games. That said, let's remember the the B teams participation in the LL is only guaranteed until end of next season, after that the chances are the LL clubs won't vote to continue with it so Hearts clearly want to pull the plug on it now. It does highlight that the whole structure for U17-U20 is a complete shambles with SPFL clubs unable to agree on the colour of shite to sort it.
jamboinglasgow Posted January 10 Posted January 10 2 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said: That's now a big problem facing the U19's unless something changes, lack of games. There just isn't enough of them at that level and it wont come close to replicating thre LL environment of tough competitive games. That said, let's remember the the B teams participation in the LL is only guaranteed until end of next season, after that the chances are the LL clubs won't vote to continue with it so Hearts clearly want to pull the plug on it now. It does highlight that the whole structure for U17-U20 is a complete shambles with SPFL clubs unable to agree on the colour of shite to sort it. It does sound like Hearts are think far enough ahead to know what they want to do next season and can plan accordingly especially being honest with players who may be let go. I do think a slimmed down number of young pros may be the best option, so you can focus on the best and provide more time to develop them, especially with using loans to get minutes for JTA to analyse them. I can understand why people may think the Hearts Way is a bit too corporate speak and soundbitey, but wont judge it till I have seen what it is in detail or seen how it works because too much of Scottish football is "things need to change, no not that way, nor that way, nor that way" and so things are always instantly judged and dismissed because its not what they would do. As you say I dont think B team in LL would last more than 1 more season, so if we did commit to another season it would just be kicking the can down the road. Its a shame as I think its something that does help but its too low a level and would never get to the level you need. I also agree that there needs to be more games for U19 level. I do think from what has been said and hinted, Hearts will have the U19 team next season (which I suspect will mainly be 16 and 17 year olds) and the rest will go out on loan. But the problem is completely as you say the SPFL teams cant agree on anything as everything is decided on self-interest. Where the key question for every team is "whats in it for me" which while I understand clubs have to look after themselves it is frustrating that it means nothing changes.
Chuck Berry Posted January 10 Author Posted January 10 3 minutes ago, jamboinglasgow said: It does sound like Hearts are think far enough ahead to know what they want to do next season and can plan accordingly especially being honest with players who may be let go. I do think a slimmed down number of young pros may be the best option, so you can focus on the best and provide more time to develop them, especially with using loans to get minutes for JTA to analyse them. I can understand why people may think the Hearts Way is a bit too corporate speak and soundbitey, but wont judge it till I have seen what it is in detail or seen how it works because too much of Scottish football is "things need to change, no not that way, nor that way, nor that way" and so things are always instantly judged and dismissed because its not what they would do. As you say I dont think B team in LL would last more than 1 more season, so if we did commit to another season it would just be kicking the can down the road. Its a shame as I think its something that does help but its too low a level and would never get to the level you need. I also agree that there needs to be more games for U19 level. I do think from what has been said and hinted, Hearts will have the U19 team next season (which I suspect will mainly be 16 and 17 year olds) and the rest will go out on loan. But the problem is completely as you say the SPFL teams cant agree on anything as everything is decided on self-interest. Where the key question for every team is "whats in it for me" which while I understand clubs have to look after themselves it is frustrating that it means nothing changes. One thing I always harp on about, is that every single Premiership team should be obligated to field an U19/20/21 team (whatever the highest age level is). A 12 team league playing at least 33 games (or even 14/16 clubs if you keep the relegated teams in that want to stay), with an overage allowance. That would be progress, as opposed to banning 3g pitches. If the SPFL think that having B teams in the Challenge Cup is a good idea, then surely they can also agree that a solid level below first team can also be achieved. Alas.......
RobNox Posted January 10 Posted January 10 23 hours ago, Chuck Berry said: Euan Glasgow and Tommy North away to Montrose. Seems absolutely clear, despite not being specifically mentioned in the "Hearts Way" media release, the B team won't be competing in the Lowland League next season, and those not out on loan are being hung out to dry a wee bit with the amount of departures on loan. Could be a tough run to the end of the season for them. I agree. With the introduction of the cooperation framework we can put some of our better young players out on loans to clubs playing at a higher level than the Lowland league and still bring those players back if necessary. The pathway certainly looks to be changing. The B team was a good initiative initially, it let good youngsters go and compete in men's football rather than play in say the U18's league against other boys. The B team provided a stepping stone for young players who were not yet considered ready to make the step up to the first team squad, and by playing them in the B team rather than putting them out on loan to a league 1 or 2 side, we could still call on them if required to fill a gap in the first team squad if necessary. Adam Forrester is an example where through necessity we promoted him to the first team squad and then the first team itself.
Mikey1874 Posted January 11 Posted January 11 On 09/01/2026 at 21:52, Footballfirst said: Hearts U18s are at home to Hibs U18s in the SFA Youth Cup on Tuesday night. Preview of game and all the details https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/match-preview-hearts-u19s-v-hibs-u19s-scottish-youth-cup
jamboinglasgow Posted January 13 Posted January 13 On a Scottish youth football side, I saw there was an article in the Sun about a Hibs 14 year old Centre back, Henry Verraed, who scored an overhead kick and played U17 for Hibs, is capped by the Scottish U15s, who is also eligible for Brazil. The weird thing is that he is not the only Scotland U15 centre back who is eligable for Brazil, as St Mirren's 15 year old Marcello De Barros is one.
smeed Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Hearts U17’s against Hibs U17’s played the second half with 5x 14 year olds . Last Friday in a 4-1 win, Hopefully a good sign for the future 🇱🇻
Footballfirst Posted January 13 Posted January 13 After a scrappy first 15 minutes, Hearts totally dominated the game. Apart from the goals, Hearts also hit the bar and the post. Just an observation, but those who have played regularly for the B Team plus KM, looked well ahead of their Hibs counterparts.
We_are_the_Hearts Posted January 13 Posted January 13 2 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: After a scrappy first 15 minutes, Hearts totally dominated the game. Apart from the goals, Hearts also hit the bar and the post. Just an observation, but those who have played regularly for the B Team plus KM, looked well ahead of their Hibs counterparts. Playing proper football instead of the Pro Youth nonsense must be helping them develop. Am I right in saying we won’t be keeping a team in the Lowland League though?
Footballfirst Posted January 13 Posted January 13 4 minutes ago, We_are_the_Hearts said: Playing proper football instead of the Pro Youth nonsense must be helping them develop. Am I right in saying we won’t be keeping a team in the Lowland League though? Nothing confirmed as yet, but it looks that way.
Famous 1874 Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Hearts on easy street tonight. Think 3-0 flattered Hibs. Lots of strong Hearts performers. Alfie Osborne best player on the park for me. McMeekin, Stanley Wilson & Tommy North standouts for me. Not a bad Hearts performer. Hibs just punted it long like their first team. Believe they have a rule that, 3 touches then in the box.
Footballfirst Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Kilmarnock beat St Mirren 3-1 in tonight's other quarter final. Killie won last season's youth cup.
Famous 1874 Posted January 14 Posted January 14 Is there any news on Kellock? He was rumoured to be offski. McMeekin and Osborne two best performers last night for me, and sounds like both are offski
jambo-rocker Posted January 14 Posted January 14 13 hours ago, Footballfirst said: After a scrappy first 15 minutes, Hearts totally dominated the game. Apart from the goals, Hearts also hit the bar and the post. Just an observation, but those who have played regularly for the B Team plus KM, looked well ahead of their Hibs counterparts. I think your last bit is a good reason why we should keep the B team. I think it's a much more effective launchpad than u19s football. I don't have a problem with development loans after. I've heard all the clichés before. We'll focus more on the best, plans are better, yet I barely see many teams doing any better. Feels like we're cutting an option for the sake of looking like we're doing something.
fabienleclerq Posted January 14 Posted January 14 (edited) Did the game get filmed last night? Edited January 14 by fabienleclerq
Footballfirst Posted January 15 Posted January 15 Just now, Mikey1874 said: I was about to post the same. No mention of any changes to the U19/U17 CAS arrangements. Clubs have been unhappy with how few fixtures there are (partly due to clubs withdrawing).
Mikey1874 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 Hearts confirm B team in Lowland League ended. https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/progressive-pathway-change
jamboinglasgow Posted January 16 Posted January 16 https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/progressive-pathway-change The club have confirmed the B team will cease to operate after the end of the season. The focus is on loans so they can utilise JTA to analyise players development and get them experience of senior football,
Famous 1874 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 Very interesting. I wonder if we will reduce our number of players who would normally be in the B team age group? Only the best make it via the academy pathway and perhaps some jamestown recommended players who get released from top academies. They all then go out on loan to teams with regular jamestown assessments
Babertonhearts Posted January 16 Posted January 16 B team was always getting dropped, cutbacks in certain areas and that's one of them.
Footballfirst Posted January 16 Posted January 16 Today's announcement follows on the back of the SPFL statement yesterday about cooperation agreements. With the indication that CAS fixtures will continue up to U19, it is likely that anyone older, who doesn't have a contract for next season, is likely to be released. U19 for season 2026/27 will be 2008s and younger, so we can expect most of the out of contract 2005s, 2006s and 2007s to be released. I'm aware that there is scope to play overage players in the U19 side, but it isn't a development opportunity for older players. I can only see Hearts using it in exceptional circumstances, e.g. to give some minutes to a player recovering from a long term injury. Personally, I think the U19s are a waste of time. 17/18 year old youngsters need to be playing adult football, if they are to develop sufficiently to have the chance of a career at Hearts.
Tollcross OB Posted January 16 Posted January 16 3 hours ago, Famous 1874 said: Very interesting. I wonder if we will reduce our number of players who would normally be in the B team age group? Only the best make it via the academy pathway and perhaps some jamestown recommended players who get released from top academies. They all then go out on loan to teams with regular jamestown assessments I think that if we use this new pathway correctly and we have been very active this season players at various clubs. The players will be still receiving our coaching development and we can call them back at anytime. Where it does not work is for guys we bring in from England as they don’t qualify and the age limit I think was u20 so it means any older player needs to go on a loan deal. A positive may also be for the lower league teams they will be able to have quality younger players that they would otherwise not have had may actually help them as well
Mikey1874 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 On 13/01/2026 at 22:50, Footballfirst said: Kilmarnock beat St Mirren 3-1 in tonight's other quarter final. Killie won last season's youth cup. Queens Park 7 Musselburgh 0 Aberdeen 4 Dundee 1
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