COMMENTATOR'S VIEW: HEARTS

It's Craig Gordon's testimonial match for our fourth preseason friendly of 2025 and we spoke to Heart of Midlothian's commentator, Cameron Conner, to see how our Scottish opponents are feeling ahead of kick off and the season.

Hearts finished 7th last season in the Scottish Premiership, which was the first time you’ve finished outside of the top half since you were promoted in 2021, how much of a disappointment was it?

We were extremely disappointing last season. We didn’t reach the heights we believed we could, and we were brought back down to earth with a real bump. Sacking two managers Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley, more or less summed up our season. There were genuine concerns that we’d be in a relegation battle, but I was always confident that wouldn’t be the case. Still, being down the wrong end of the table is certainly not where a team like Hearts should be.

Where do you think you’ll come this season?

There seems to be a real buzz about this season with the new manager, the investment from Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics. I think we’re building a really strong squad, and I believe we’ll finish either 3rd or 4th. A lot will also depend on how the other teams competing for those spots perform in European competition this year — the Thursday-Sunday schedule can be a tough one to manage.

You’ve already started your season with four League Cup matches, which you’ve won quite easily, how have you played in these games?

The League Cup format in Scotland is a bit strange, with matches starting so early. We’ve come away with four wins from four, scored 16 goals, and secured first place in our group. Even though that was expected, it was still nice to do it in such convincing fashion. We played well in parts of the games, but I still feel there’s room for improvement; something the manager has pointed out in his post-match interviews. Despite winning 4–0 last week, he said he was disappointed we didn’t score more and that our levels dropped at one point during the game. It’s really refreshing to hear a manager still demanding more, even after a comfortable win.

How has the transfer window been going so far, and what positions do you still need to strengthen in?

We’ve brought in about seven new players. Some of them are familiar like Elton Kabangu, who was on loan last season. We’ve also signed Stuart Findlay, who previously played under McInnes, and so far, he looks like a solid addition to the squad. A massive boost for us was re-signing Lawrence Shankland. Seventy-odd goals for Hearts is a fantastic return and shows just how important he is to the team. He didn’t have his best season last year, but neither did Hearts. I really hope he can return to the form we know he’s capable of. I’ve been really impressed with Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyzirdis, from Aalesunds FK and MFK Zemplín Michalovce respectively. Both look very promising, they’re positive on the ball and always looking to make something happen. I do think we need another ball-winning or attacking midfielder, but that will depend on what system the manager wants to play. We also have quite a heavy squad, so I expect a few players to leave Tynecastle, either permanently or on loan before the transfer window closes.

Obviously, this game is Craig Gordon’s testimonial. How was he at Hearts and what kind of reception do you think he’ll get?

Craig is a club legend and genuinely one of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. He was with us as a young player, and it’s no surprise he ended up in the English Premier League. It’s so unfortunate about the injuries he’s had I think he could have been even better without them. He’s a model professional, and to come back from a double leg break just a few years ago and still be making top saves at 42 is nothing short of remarkable. I’m so glad we’re playing Sunderland as part of his testimonial year. I hope there’s a big crowd, and I’m sure it’ll be a brilliant occasion on Saturday!

What are your thoughts on manager Derek McInnes?

I know some Hearts fans were sceptical about Derek’s appointment. I’m a fan of his, he did well at Aberdeen during his time there and was most recently at Kilmarnock. I’m looking forward to seeing us in competitive action under him. As I mentioned earlier, there’s a real buzz among the fans about the signings and the “new era” under McInnes. I also really like how honest he is when speaking to the press about his style of play and the team’s performances.

You’ve only played against lower league opposition so far in preseason/in the cup, how valuable will it be to play a top division side right before the season starts?

As mentioned before, the League Cup is a weird one to be involved in, the fact we have won the games comfortably and been able to experiment during the games with different systems and player positions was a positive. Playing Sunderland is a real test; they’re a team I also follow alongside Hearts after going to Sunderland University a few years ago. They are back in the PL where they belong, and I’m delighted for them. They’re building a really good squad and this will give Hearts a good test ahead of our opening Premiership game next week, it’s set to be a great atmosphere and hopefully a competitive game.

Finally, score prediction?

I’d just love to see a really good performance from Hearts. I do think Sunderland will beat us, the gulf in quality between an English Premier League team and a Scottish Premiership team is massive on paper. I reckon it’ll be 3–1 to Sunderland, but I’d love us to put in a strong showing. A last-minute Craig Gordon header would be the perfect ending!