Finishing fourth behind Aberdeen WON'T be a failure for Hearts this season. But allowing Hibs to leapfrog them would.
The Jambos can still pip the Dons to third place, but have to hope St Mirren do them a favour at Pittodrie and win if they fail to take anything from their trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. If results go their way, then it gives them the chance to reclaim the best of the rest tag in Saturday's Edinburgh derby, with Aberdeen away at champions Celtic.
James McFadden reckons it won't be a disaster if they miss out and have to settle for the Europa Conference League third qualifying round rather than the group stage. But given that they once had a double digit cushion over their city rivals this season, then falling behind their neighbours wouldn’t be acceptable to the Gorgie faithful. “I think it would be a huge disappointment for Hearts,” he said.
"They finished in third place last season and looked as if they'd strengthened and were going to extend that lead over everyone else in third spot. But it hasn't quite worked out that way. To say it would be a failure, it would depend on where they actually finish. If they finish fourth and it's close to Aberdeen, yes it;s a disappointment and below expectations for Hearts. But I don’t think it’s a huge failure.
“If you then start looking at Hibs - can they pick up the results required to go ahead of them? Any Hearts fan will tell you that any season you finish below your rivals is a failure.
“It’s important that Hearts continue to show the levels of performance and try and get the results that are possible to finish the season as strongly as they can. To finish fourth behind Aberdeen, given the fact they’ve changed manager with an interim in charge, I don;t think
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James Macfadden