Joel Sked
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sked21.bsky.social
Joel Sked
@sked21.bsky.social
Editor at Hearts Standard.

https://www.heartsstandard.co.uk/
🗣️ "I still think they will fall away."

As Hearts head to Ibrox five points clear, having been top for 130+ days, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest they will.

On nonsense narratives, Old Firm trait, financial gulf and good Ibrox pressure.
Why Hearts won't 'fall away': Nonsense narratives, Old Firm trait and Ibrox pressure
Hearts will go to Ibrox five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Joel Sked explains why it is exactly where they deserve to be.
onlrl.co
February 12, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Enjoyed this from @craigcairns.bsky.social breaking down Edinburgh derby success for Hearts.

The set-up, the tweaks and Tomas Magnusson's goal-scoring ability.
How Hearts won the Edinburgh derby: Proper 4-4-2, second-half tweaks and subs
Craig Cairns looks back on another dramatic late win in the Edinburgh derby.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 6:43 PM
With his goal, Tomas Magnusson secured a huge derby win, lifted the roof off Tynecastle and ensured Hearts take a lead to Ibrox.

But he didn't manage to make his partner's waters break.

The derby hero on his special goal and his child who is due.
Tomas Magnusson ranks Hearts derby goal and what he told team-mates with baby due
Tomas Magnusson produced the match-winning moment to down Hibs and secure Hearts a massive win
onlrl.co
February 11, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Islam Chesnokov may not have wowed with his attacking output. That'll come.

But he looked like he grew up on the derby and the need to battle.

Asked Derek McInnes about that side of the game and his inclusion.

🗣️ "His defensive work is on point"
The eye-catching Islam Chesnokov stat as Derek McInnes explains Hearts star's start
The Kazakh international started his first Hearts game in the win over Hibs.
onlrl.co
February 11, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Derek McInnes wanted to talk about Harry Milne and a Hearts win, as he said he couldn't care about the quality of the game.

And joked the Hearts ball boy's parents have a taser for him.
Derek McInnes' Hearts derby win assessment and taser joke over ball-boy celebration
The Hearts head coach watched his side defeat Hibs 1-0 at Tynecastle Park.
onlrl.co
February 10, 2026 at 10:55 PM
...

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB

It wasn't pretty but it was pretty important. Tomas Magnusson's late goal ensures Hearts go to Ibrox with at least a three-point lead.

Could be one of the biggest of derby wins.
Hearts 1-0 Hibs: One of the biggest derby wins, Chesnokov start, castle-rock defence
Hearts ensure they go to Ibrox with at least a three point lead thanks to Tomas Magnusson's winner at Tynecastle Park.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Derek McInnes explained the inclusion of Islam Chesnokov, who makes his first Hearts start.

🗣️ "It allows us to go with a more attacking shape."

It will be a decision welcomed by many within the support.
Derek McInnes on Islam Chesnokov inclusion v Hibs and what it allows Hearts to do
The Kazakhstan international makes his first start for Hearts against Hibs in the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle Park.
onlrl.co
February 10, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Two big games over the next six days will set the tone for Hearts and the title run-in.

It'll be exciting and, at times, excruciating. And it starts tonight with the derby.
The Hearts title fight, two big games over six big days and an unfamiliar fan feeling
Hearts face Hibs and Rangers in the next two games. Two games that could be significant in the title battle.
onlrl.co
February 10, 2026 at 9:57 AM
A really good interview with Dale Carrick from @bmeik.bsky.social for @HeartsStandard_

The 'relegation' derby, THAT reaction and Gary Locke's influence on the fixture.

🗣️ "This was a very personal one for him when he took over."
Dale Carrick on spoiling Hibs party, THAT reaction and Gary Locke's derby influence
Dale Carrick produced a memorable moment on and off the field for Hearts against Hibs in 2014. He speaks to Hearts Standard about it.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Tomorrow night, Hearts will be looking to respond to the St Mirren loss and the previous derby defeat.

Hibs will have somewhat of a new look in terms of personnel, but the style is expected to be the same.

What Hearts expect from their city rivals ⤵️
What Hearts expect from Hibs, the complete contrast and derby 'cup final'
Hearts play the first of 13 cup finals on Tuesday night when they host Hibs at Tynecastle Park.
onlrl.co
February 9, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Hearts fans are keen to see the team start with wingers.

Derek McInnes would "like to" as well.

The Hearts head coach talked about the clamour and the need for the likes of Mato and Chesnokov to get up to speed.
The Hearts clamour for two wingers and the need to be up to speed explained
Islam Chesnokov and Rogers Mato are being brought up to speed with the hope of having a big impact over the rest of the season.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Harry Milne is one of the first names in the Hearts XI as one of the best and most consistent performers.

The 29-year-old talks a big week for Hearts, Scotland talk and Kyziridis.

🗣️ "It's a very competitive position... so I wouldn't hold my breath."
Harry Milne on a 'big week' for Hearts, Alexandros Kyziridis and Scotland talk
Harry Milne has been one of the team's best and most consistent performers this season.
onlrl.co
February 8, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Derek McInnes discussed doubters, people losing their shit, making changes to his Hearts side and an important period.

🗣️ "Three-quarters of the country would have been delighted with that result the other night
'Losing their s***' - Why Derek McInnes is not interested in Hearts doubters
Hearts are top of the Scottish Premeirship going into a crucial week of the season.
onlrl.co
February 6, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Hearts fans have another 8pm kick-off to prepare for.

Next month's trip to Rugby Park has been rescheduled.
Hearts fixture moved for television fixture as fans set for another 8pm kick-off
The Hearts title charge continues to generate interest from the broadcasters.
onlrl.co
February 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Hearts have a number of players out on loan and doing well at their respective clubs.

@bmeik.bsky.social got the inside track on eight of those in this in-depth look at how they are performing.
Inside track on how 8 young Hearts starlets are faring on loan in lower leagues
Hearts have a number of young players out on loan and we've spoken to people at their loan clubs to learn about their progress.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Where did it go wrong for Hearts last night?

Mainly a costly 29 minutes that saw Hearts play into St Mirren's hands and play themselves into trouble.

Analysis of that period, team selection explanation and the right side debate.
Where it went wrong for Hearts and the 29 costly minutes against St Mirren
Hearts fell to their third defeat of the league season on Tuesday night. Joel looks back on a costly 29 minutes.
onlrl.co
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Derek McInnes believes James Wilson's move to Spurs isn't the right one for him - and outlined his preference for the striker.

🗣️ "It's academy football... I think he's better than that."

Wilson wanted a move after being limited to 10 appearances.
Derek McInnes on why Spurs is not the right move for James Wilson & Hearts preference
Derek McInnes had his say on James Wilson's move to Spurs as he explained why the striker is better than academy football.
onlrl.co
February 4, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Derek McInnes was frustrated with his team's performance when it was 11v11.

He wanted the team to play forward more, be more direct and bypass St Mirren press.

Chesnokov and Mato being prepared for the Edinburgh derby.
Derek McInnes on what frustrated him with Hearts defeat and Mato & Chesnokov latest
The Hearts head coach gave his assessment on the 1-0 loss to St Mirren.
onlrl.co
February 3, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Another big game tonight. Another big opportunity.

Can't see too many changes from Saturday. Three at the very most, but I reckon:

➡️ Steinwender, Baningime
⬅️ Altena, Magnusson
Why Hearts XI could have minimal changes for nine-point opportunity v St Mirren
Hearts can ramp up the pressure on the Old Firm against St Mirren.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Hearts have emerged out of the transfer window in a stronger position than when it opened.

An in-depth look at the past month, squad analysis and how it is shaped for the title run-in against Celtic and the £50m Rangers have spent this season.
Hearts, January transfer window, how squad is shaped for title run-in and £50m rivals
Hearts are in a better position after the January transfer window. Joel Sked looks in-depth at the past month and what it means.
onlrl.co
February 3, 2026 at 10:12 AM
'On Saturday, Kabore showed that he is another player who can be a match-winner between now and the end of the season.'

@craigcairns.bsky.social on the striker's starring role against Dundee United and further encouragement without Shankland.
Leading line, chaos, goals: How Landry Kabore became Hearts latest match-winner
Craig Cairns analyses the Burkinabe striker's performance after he netted his third and fourth goals for the club.
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 8:02 PM
In an ideal world, Hearts would sign a striker to complete, on paper, an excellent January window, but not the end of the world if they don't.

A wee bit on the state of play and how Kabore and midfield options make it less of a priority.

🔗 onlrl.co/f9sbq7
February 2, 2026 at 6:22 PM
James Wilson is closing in on a loan move to Spurs.

They are set to beat rivals Arsenal to his signature. The deal could become permanent in the summer.

It's a transfer that has moved very quickly and should be completed before England's 7pm deadline.
Hearts transfer deadline day LIVE: James Wilson, striker search, outs
The latest from Tynecastle Park ahead of the window closing
www.heartsstandard.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Hearts transfer deadline day...

Will be operating a live blog for the final hours of the transfer window.

As things stand, not too much happening beyond interest in James Wilson.

Any questions, just shout and will answer in the blog.
Hearts transfer deadline day LIVE: James Wilson, striker search, outs
The latest from Tynecastle Park ahead of the window closing
onlrl.co
February 2, 2026 at 3:35 PM
James Wilson is wanted by Arsenal.

The Premier League leaders have set their sights on the 18-year-old striker.

Talks have taken place regarding a possible move.
Arsenal keen on Hearts star James Wilson in possible January transfer move
The teenage striker has previously been wanted by Premier League sides.
onlrl.co
February 2, 2026 at 10:31 AM