John McGlynn makes it clear Hearts must deliver on pitch

By barry anderson
Published on Saturday 17 November 2012 12:01

JOHN McGLYNN’S team talk prior to Hearts’ SPL match with St Mirren today will see the manager order his players to match the effort and commitment of their fans.

Supporters have raised more than £250,000 this week to help their financially-stricken club and McGlynn is adamant players must now reciprocate.

He revealed that he will address the squad before this afternoon’s encounter at Tynecastle and point out that they owe their public a performance. Players have already agreed to defer wages to help Hearts pay a £450,000 tax bill which had threatened the club’s existence. McGlynn feels they can demonstrate their commitment even better by performing on the pitch and taking three points from St Mirren.

“The efforts of the fans this week will be mentioned in the team talk,” he told the Evening News. “I write everything up on the board in the dressing-room before a game. I think words can just evaporate into the air so I write everything up on the wall. Seeing it in writing helps get the message across. The efforts of the fans on behalf of the club will be a part of it.

“We want to play our part in the immediate future of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. What we can control to a certain extent is the way we play the game and the passion we show for the jersey. I’ve always tried to put that across. You can put as much effort in as possible and play with enough quality, structure and tactical nous to give you the opportunities to win the match.”

Ryan Stevenson is doubtful for Hearts due to a bug, however Mehdi Taouil should be available after illness and 
Jason Holt’s back problem is not 
expected to rule him out.