Match Day Thread Heart of Midlothian FC v Sunderland AFC - Saturday 26th July 2025 - KO 15:00

Well my enthusiasm for next season has dipped massively now. Friendly or not we started the game with what potentially could have been our strongest lineup and we looked like a team that would struggle in the SPL.

Theres still a sh#t load of work needs doing between now and West Ham.

 

Pre season always triggers some. I’ve seen us have good pre season then good season, poor pre season and poor season, and a mixture of them in any order! Most on here will have seen the same. Watching SAFC for 44 years will do that!!

I’m just firstly excited for my holidays (Dominican Republic week after next for my wife’s 40th and my 50th birthdays) then west ham the day after we get back. I’m excited on all fronts and just can’t wait!

 

I am from Washington but no idea about ND

 

Well we learn from yesterday and move onto Hull.

Lots of twists and turns before the West Ham game

 

Can never read anything into preseason friendlies. We played great against Sporting, yet we're off the pace yesterday. Still lots of work needed improving the squad, especially the spine of the team.

 

I'm going to the Betis match, hopefully be getting a bit better organised by then. Maybe more additions.

 

Most of those who overreacted were watching on a dodgy stream sitting on their sofa.
And I have the right to quote them and take the piss

 

better to get the crap performances out the way in pre season

 

We lost 2-1at Bradford last season. Didn't fare too badly in the League after that ending up top after 3 games as I recall.

 

We had the Beal and Dodds show last season then stormed the league, nothing's changed for me.

 

We're in the Prem now though. I cant imagine any other team getting battered 3-0 against Hearts friendly or not our players were trying to win.
Hopefully its the kick up the arse we needed and we can get some more player through the door this week.

 

Did I miss a goal there mate?
Hopefully, as you say, just a nice little reminder to everyone

 

Lol, my bad i meant to say 3-0.

 

You're alright mate, I'm just pulling your leg

 

They won their previous 4 games 4-0 in the Scottish Cup, they are 100% fit and ready. We aren’t there yet but are still working to get there in 3 weeks time.

 

Still doesnt soften the blow for me mate. We're facing some of the worlds best players in 3 weeks time in the strongest league in the world. Like i said i hope its the kick up the arse we obviously need on and off the pitch.

 

Was referring to some of our fans as much as the squad mate. I think there has been a wee bit of overexcitement about tfrs and the performances in Portugal. All good and natural. I also think for some of the squad it isnt a bad bump in the road. Some coming off the massive high of Wembley, some coming from clubs in Europe etc. Just a little reset, and probably not massive, but helpful I think. Hopefully the whole squad double down now, and the coaches can use a different voice for a few days. No bad thing.

 

No offence mate but I really don’t think the squad need to double down or that the coaches should change their attitude after a testimonial …

… supporters are always reactionary but I’d be staggered, and really worried, if the club were anything like that.

We have a squad being introduced to new systems, different methods and a raft of players who barely know each other. The Hearts team, next week will be pretty much what we saw yesterday, we’re not close to that at the moment.

Some who appeared yesterday will be going out on loan …

… others haven’t even been signed yet.

 

No offence taken. Just opinions. I would bet on a reaction of sorts in training, and some discussions. Nor talking tea cups and fisty cuffs, just some focus on where expectations were not met. Healthy stuff in the dressing room I think.

 

My thoughts as well... friendlies against teams at 100% when we are at 50% (the players had only played 45 minute games) needs to be avoided next season if possible.