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McInnes comfortable with shouldering Bloom's expectations for Hearts

McInnes comfortable with shouldering Bloom's expectations for Hearts

STV News2 days ago
Derek McInnes insisted he is comfortable with shouldering Tony Bloom's lofty expectations for Hearts after he met the club's ambitious new shareholder for the first time this week.
Brighton owner Bloom, who recently completed a deal to invest in the Jambos, stated ahead of Monday's Premiership opener against Aberdeen that he felt they could finish in the top two this term and that he would be 'very disappointed' if they had not won the title within the next 10 years.
McInnes, appointed in May, is relishing being the man charged with trying to deliver on Bloom's bold promises.
'I think when you hear it from certain people, people can maybe question it, but there's so much validation and confidence with what he says because he clearly has a track record,' he said on Thursday. 'He's very successful. He utterly believes every word he's saying.
'He's a very clever man and he's a very successful man as well. You want your owners and people that you work for at the club to have that ambition, and there's a clear ambition from everybody at Hearts, including Tony, to try and drive the whole thing forward here.
'We're all well aware that we're here to be successful – we're not wanting to mess about – and hopefully we can be.'
McInnes met Bloom for the first time on Tuesday, the morning after the English entrepreneur had attended their 2-0 victory over Aberdeen.
'It was enjoyable,' he said. 'He was getting a tour of the training ground really and seeing everything that's going on here with (sporting director) Graeme Jones, and part of that was obviously to pop in and see me and we had a good chat.
'We spent over an hour or so together before training and he was very engaging, just really positive and really encouraged by what he sees at the club, encouraged by the start we've had and encouraged by what the future could look like. It was nice to actually spend a bit of time with him.'
McInnes, who feels his squad is 'looking pretty strong at the minute', has allowed 20-year-old right-back Adam Forrester to join St Johnstone on a co-operation loan.
'Adam played 30-odd games for Hearts last season, and that's great going for him as a youngster,' said the manager. 'We couldn't guarantee that was going to be the case this time around, especially early on in the season, so we think it's important for any young player just to keep playing. But being a co-operation loan, we have got that flexibility to bring him back.'
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Irish League Round-Up: New boys Bangor stun Cliftonville, Joel Cooper scores late winner and Kieran Offord bags hat-trick

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reveals Kieran Tierney was SICK in Pittodrie dressing room as he delivers update on key star
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reveals Kieran Tierney was SICK in Pittodrie dressing room as he delivers update on key star

Scottish Sun

time29 minutes ago

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reveals Kieran Tierney was SICK in Pittodrie dressing room as he delivers update on key star

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRENDAN Rodgers has revealed one of his key Celtic stars was SICK during the break against Aberdeen today. The Premiership title holders ran out 2-0 winners at Pittodrie, with Reo Hatate and new boy Benjamin Nygren scoring to exact revenge from the Scottish Cup final. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Reo Hatate scored to seal a victory at Pittodrie today Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Celtic won 2-0 over Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Brendan Rodgers revealed Kieran Tierney played on after being SICK at half-time Credit: Kenny Ramsay It was a routine run out for most of the Hoops players but Kieran Tierney was subbed off early in the second 45 after a dressing room illness incident. Manager Rodgers said after the game: "He did well to come out for the second half, he was sick at half time. "He was throwing up all over the changing room, thankfully I wasn't in there at the time! "He's come out, we've given him 15 minutes or so and then took him off but he's a top player. "He's only going to get fitter, stronger and better." It's not yet known what caused the sickness but the left-back is seemingly doing well. When asked what the problem was, Rodgers replied: "Not sure. Might be a wee bug of some sort, maybe something he's drank of some sort. "Thankfully he's OK now." Auston Trusty replaced the 28-year-old shortly after the visitors' second goal to see out the victory. That win takes Celtic four points clear at the top with Rangers taking just two points from the opening two league fixtures. I'm a Celtic-daft bride – I called off the big day but I still celebrated in my wedding dress at Parkhead Due to this, bookmakers Paddy Power have ALREADY paid out on bets for the Parkhead team to win the Premiership outright, declaring they've 'seen enough'. The Irish-based company often take aim at the Gers in social media gimmicks, and fan reaction has been mixed this time. One commented: 'Wee bit later than expected but congrats on the pay out troops.' Another said: 'Took a week longer than expected.' And a third added: 'Paddy Power know the script.' While a fourth laughed: 'Easiest bet you will do every year. Money back before the kids go back to school.' Another commented: "This is so embarrassing for Rangers," while one added: 'Rangers are terrible, they won't even get 2nd. Hibs or Hearts to finish behind Celtic.' And another noted: 'Scottish football, just an absolute waste of everyone's time and money.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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