Time for further leap of faith with Hearts family

IF there is one thing we don't need then it's a Referendum on our future.

More than ever, this is a time for us to unite. To pull together, to look back at those things that make us stronger, then plan ahead.

Together we can achieve our dreams, build on foundations stretching back hundreds of years. But divisions threaten all we hold dear.

We already know what the next step is for us, people have had their say – by voting with their feet.

So let's simply write-off the past season and look at what comes next for Hearts.

Well, what did you think I was talking about?

Admittedly our last home game was another bruising disappointment. When the thunder and lightning started – the most exciting part of the afternoon – one fan quipped: "See – even God's a Jambo and he's sick of you too!"

It summed up the campaign, as did the season books littering the trackside at full time.

At least the players had the good grace not to take an end of season bow as the boos rang out. Yet I thought flashes of the first half showed some potential, Fernando Screpis looking like a real find. And despite our capitulation in the second 45, maybe with the right leader in charge, the players can prove themselves.

Which is why I collected new season books for me and my son from the helpful ticket centre staff on Saturday. Because there is some great talent at Hearts that just needs drawing out.

Take for instance the re-signing of Mauricio Pinilla.

He is one player – in the few games he played – who really gets fans excited when on the ball.

Depression is a serious complaint. But if he has overcome those demons then it would be good to see him back.

Imagine him paired with Gary Glen up front, wreaking havoc on the Old Firm and Hibs. It could be sensational.

Ruben Palazuelos comes in the same category, a real class act helping Eggert Jonsson flourish.

Deividas Cesnauskis, sitting most the season on the bench, then scoring a screamer at Falkirk. Or Saulius Mikoliunas, one of our most consistent players.

Both have the capacity to turn games with their trickery and verve. At the back we have Christophe Berra – surely now to make his full Scotland debut.

And great young talent in Marius Zaliukas, Lee Wallace, Jason Thomson and Matej Rapnik.

The youth policy at Hearts has been one constant source of good news. After all, Hearts were the first club in the Capital and most of the country to boast a dedicated Academy.

Maybe we are about to reap the benefit.

Off the field great things too, like the Education and Community Trust with its breakfast clubs, learning centre and Magnificent Seven initiative.

Much of this can be put down to the willingness of those like Campbell Ogilvie to embrace the support.

I've said before, Hearts really are like an extended family, with youth walking side by side with legends.

How often do you see Gary and Dave Mackay, John Cummings, Dave McPherson, Freddie Glidden and Co at events? Or bump into old friends or players in places like Diggers, the Tynie Arms or Dickens.

The fact so many players from our cup triumphs showed for Robbie Neilson's testimonial serves to re-enforce those ties. Rudi Skacel, Stephane Adam who got a tremendous reception on Saturday, Thomas Flogel and Gilles Rousset among them.

I even bumped into Stefano Salvatore lunching at Bar Roma.

There's nothing quite like it, watching your heroes, as all around people are wrapped in maroon.

A colour that, no matter where you see it, evokes emotions of pride and passion.

From where I sit in the Wheatfield Stand, I have an uninterrupted view of the game, and thought the fans showed great patience.

It is always good to see Jim Jefferies return because he evokes memories of that great cup win.

The result on Saturday wasn't really important. But a 2-0 reverse was disappointing being a last chance at redemption for the team.

Who knows which of them will return next season, or which fans for that matter.

But as people ponder what to do, it is worth taking stock of all that is great at this club.

Hearts could – and should – do more by acting decisively and giving supporters a reason to trust in them.

As for the fans?

It really is a cross-roads for many.

But I suggest one more leap of faith, one more season book, one last chance. Because once you've turned your back on family, it is always so much harder to ever go back.

Levein deserves support for speaking out
I'D like to salute Dundee United manager Craig Levein for showing a bravery all too often lacking in Scottish football.

By questioning referees' ability to handle games involving the Old Firm, he is certain to be hammered by the SFA.

Every team outside of Glasgow knows what he said to be true. And it is not good enough to say poor decisions even themselves out over a season.

I think Craig is right and he deserves support. Referees do bottle it – with shameful reason – in such intimidating atmospheres.

What would have happened to McCurry, his home or his car, if he had affected Rangers' chances of the SPL flag? Referees are human and consciously or otherwise, the pressure will affect decision making. It's the integrity of the game that ultimately suffers.

So we must look to use technology – or even refs from outside Scotland – for key Old Firm clashes.