"For history to happen, Hearts must beat Falkirk at Tynecastle and Celtic lose to Motherwell at Fir Park. Few can see it turning out this way, but Hearts' home record is exceptional and Motherwell have already beaten Celtic this season. Schooled them, in fact. That was in Wilfried Nancy's time, though. A relative lifetime ago."
"Despite trailing Hearts by a point, Celtic are the bookies' favourite to win the title again. The cold-blooded odds-layers have rarely bought into the Hearts fairytale, most of them reckoning that Celtic would come good in the end. The mere fact that Hearts have come this close is trippy. Thirty-six games played, 3,240 minutes across 10 months, table toppers since September and they have arrived at this point."
"In their greatest league season since falling on the last day 40 years ago, they've been doubted along the way. Laughed at in the beginning when Tony Bloom bought into the club and said they could split the Old Firm in one season, and questioned in December when they dropped points in four games in a row. Scepticism came in waves in late spring when they lost to two of the bottom six and then drew with Livingston, plumb last in the Premiership."
"'Believe' is the Tynecastle mantra, the gospel the manager Derek McInnes has preached. On Monday afternoon, it was quiet in the Tynecastle"
Hearts may be crowned Scottish champions after 66 years if they win at Tynecastle against Falkirk and Celtic lose at Fir Park to Motherwell. Celtic are favourites to win the title again, even while playing catch-up after earlier dismal periods and changes under Martin O’Neill. Celtic’s position depends on avoiding a slip against Hearts, with Jens Berthel Askou’s side posing danger. Hearts have had an exceptional home record and have already benefited from Motherwell beating Celtic this season. Hearts have spent the season near the top for 36 games and 3,240 minutes, despite doubts, dropped points, late-spring setbacks, and ongoing injuries. The Tynecastle mantra is “Believe,” promoted by Derek McInnes.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]