Europe, fan ownership and Hibs climax: One of Hearts' best seasons in living memory

The campaign evolved into one of the most enjoyable in living memory for a club which suffered more than its fair share of disappointment in recent years. Indeed, history may well denote the season just ended as a springboard for future success if harnessed and build upon properly.

A comfortable third-place finish in the cinch Premiership restored Hearts as Scottish football’s third force. They finished 13 points better off than fourth-placed Dundee United as other pre-season candidates for third spot, Aberdeen and Hibs, languished in the bottom half of the table.

Twelve months since emerging from a difficult but ultimately successful period in the second tier of Scottish football, it was a remarkable achievement for a newly-promoted club.

Finishing third secured a return to continental competition for the first time since 2016. Then a place in the Scottish Cup final ensured guaranteed European group-stage football instead of hazardous qualifying rounds.

It was the culmination of two years of hard work and toil since manager Robbie Neilson returned to Tynecastle Park with coaches Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest. Those three, along with chairwoman Ann Budge and the board, set foundations which appear built to last.

Several influential signings last summer underpinned this year’s success after Hearts gained promotion as Scottish Championship winners.

Midfielder Beni Baningime was lured north from Everton, soon to be partnered by the dynamic Australian Cammy Devlin from Newcastle Jets. Former Rangers forward Barrie McKay returned to Scotland to join them in September.

All three signed permanent contracts, supplemented by loanees Ben Woodburn, Alex Cochrane, Taylor Moore and, in January, Ellis Simms. Mixed in with existing