HEARTS STOPPER
Craig Gordon tells sceptical Hearts fans to get behind new boss Neil Critchley as he promises ‘it’s going to be good’
He is also hoping his Scotland revival will kickstart a more positive spell for him
CRAIG GORDON has asked sceptical Hearts fans to get behind new boss Neil Critchley.
The former Blackpool gaffer’s arrival at Tynecastle — aided by data and analytics — hasn’t been universally welcomed by the Hearts support.
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But Hearts club captain Gordon is excited for the new era and hopes punters give Critchley a chance after Steven Naismith was axed.
He said: "It’s up to us to win games, if we win games [the negative reaction] will soon change.
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"It’s everyone’s responsibility to rally and get ourselves out this predicament.
"Everybody deserves a chance, it’s quite clearly way too early to be negative about it.
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"It’s been a robust process going down the analytics route and that seems to be the way forward.
"It is going to be good, I spoke to a few of the players and they were happy with training, and are looking forward to getting started."
Gordon was on Scotland duty when Critchley’s appointment was confirmed, but had already met the ex-QPR and Blackpool boss.
He added: "I spoke to the new manager just before he got announced.
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"He was at the team hotel and I managed to grab a couple of minutes in passing just to touch base and wish him all the best, it was a general chat.
"It’s a new era for us back at Hearts, an exciting one.
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"I’m looking forward to getting back there and getting started."
Gordon will start for Hearts against St Mirren on Saturday after reclaiming his place as Scotland’s No 1.
Angus Gunn’s injury opened the door for the 41-year-old to return and he was boosted by a clean sheet against Portugal.
He said: "I’d take anything to turn the season around
"It’s a start - a clean sheet, I have not had one of those in a while.
"It’s pleasing for me to get out there and help this team."
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