Hearts: Jefferies hails 'terrific season' for team

AT the conclusion of an exhausting season, Hearts manager Jim Jefferies today paid tribute to his players for securing third place in the SPL and ensuring the club's return to European football.

Recent events, particularly Wednesday's attack on Neil Lennon at Tynecastle, overshadowed the fact Hearts have finished as the best club in Scotland outwith the Old Firm. However, Jefferies stressed it is an achievement which deserves special recognition.

The Edinburgh club travel to Dundee United tomorrow in relaxed mood having beaten their opponents to third place and, with time to reflect, Jefferies acclaimed the efforts of his squad. "I think Wednesday overshadowed a few things," he said. "The players hoped to get round the pitch and take acclaim for what's been a very good season considering what we've had to contend with regarding injuries and suspensions. We've had a terrific season. We now go into the last game and try to finish it off with a win.

"We were so far in front but it was a false amount because Dundee United still had four games in hand. Credit to them for winning those games. If they hadn't, it wouldn't have got to the stage where the gap was catchable. We were always in the driving seat. What has made it a wee bit frustrating is the fact that we had a chance to clinch third earlier. But, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter when you clinch it."

Hearts' impressive away record underpinned their campaign with only one defeat suffered in away matches outwith Glasgow. Intriguingly ahead of tomorrow's fixture, that solitary loss was at Tannadice in March. "We have only lost away from home at Dundee United this season outwith the Old Firm. That's a phenomenal achievement and a lot of those results away from home were wins," continued Jefferies.

"All those points were keeping us in the position of being strong favourites. There was pressure on Hearts because we were so far in front, but there was also massive pressure on Dundee United to keep winning. They've made a great attempt at it because it was a difficult thing to keep up. We lost key players and had to chop and change with suspensions. We've improved our (disciplinary) record this year but you can't stop suspensions.

"We didn't lose players in the middle of the season, we lost them at the back end. Some players who were buzzing also dipped in form. When you look at the key players we lost, others had to come in who hadn't been playing a lot of matches. They kept the record going as long as they could. You just need to look at the stats. It's our best year for five or six years.

"Maybe it wasn't strong enough to sustain what everybody was wanting, the challenge to Rangers and Celtic. You can only do that if you keep your best players (fit). Templeton, Suso, Webster, Wallace and Kyle were all out against Celtic on Wednesday.

"A fit Andrew Driver too (would have helped), and Darren Barr was out for a long time with an operation."

Jefferies admitted he was keen for the season to end given the number of unsavoury incidents which have peppered Scottish football since last August. With everything from referee strikes to parliamentary summits, the campaign has clearly taken its toll on those involved.

"For what's gone on this year, I think it's just a season to put to bed and make sure next year we get back to football," said Jefferies.

"There has been people's integrity being questioned, we've lost Hugh Dallas and Dougie McDonald. It's just been one thing after another, things kicking off in tunnels, a referees' strike, and if you look at it all I don't think there's been a punch thrown. It's all just been pushing and shoving and accusations.

"It's starting to get out of hand. Hopefully we'll all calm down in the summer and let's get back to making sure next year there is no repeat."