Locke says Hearts need some luck in front of goal
First-team coach Gary Locke is confident Hearts can halt their recent poor run with a change of fortune.
It may be coincidental, but since Hearts’ players first suffered delayed payment of their wages this season, they have failed to score and have collected just one point from a possible 12.
Hearts have not won since the 15 October defeat of Dunfermline and host bottom club Inverness in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League tomorrow.
October’s pay, which had been due on 16 October, arrived on 4 November, but some players were yesterday still waiting for November’s money, which was due to have been paid last week.
A media lockdown instigated after manager Paulo Sergio faced disciplinary proceedings remains in place, with the official website the only channel of communication.
But Locke is sure Hearts – embroiled in off-field uncertainty after owner Vladimir Romanov announced his intention to sell the club – can arrest their current slide.
He told Hearts TV: “We’ve had a wee blip but, hopefully, we can get a result on Saturday. If our luck changes a wee bit in front of goal we will score. We’ve got players who are creative and can score.
“We’re disappointed because we should be winning these games. We’re looking to try to get a victory as soon as possible and, hopefully, it will kickstart us on to another good wee run again.”
Striker John Sutton has been used sparingly this season but began last weekend’s defeat at Dundee United. Sutton was prolific for Motherwell last term before moving to Tynecastle and has been backed by Locke to find his form.
The coach added: “John came in on Saturday and I thought he did really well. He held the ball up, snatched at a couple of things in the second half, but hopefully the more games he gets, the sharper he’ll become and he’ll stick one or two chances in the net for us.”
Only leaders Rangers have conceded fewer goals than sixth-placed Hearts entering this weekend’s fixtures, and Locke noted: “We’ve been pleased with the defensive side of things – as we have been with the way we’ve played for most of the season.”
But Locke is refusing to underestimate Caley Thistle, despite their lowly standing in a tight table. He said: “I think Inverness are in a false position. They’re a very good side.
“Terry [Butcher, the Inverness manager] and Mo [Maurice Malpas, the Inverness assistant boss] have got them well organised.
“They’re always very workmanlike and they’ve got one or two players who can cause you problems. We know how difficult it’s going to be on Saturday, and we’ll make sure our players are on their toes.”
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Comments
There are 35 comments to this article
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tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 05:16 PMComment removed by moderator
VladMagic
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 02:12 PMGo take a lie down Tommy. As far as I am concerned, its better to live one day as a Lion than a whole life time as a mouse. Fair play Romanov for giving it a go but ultimately there is just to much against him for it to ever work. Not surprised he's going and just hope the transitional period through to the new owners runs smoothly.
tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 01:28 PMComment removed by moderator
tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 01:28 PMComment removed by moderator
Johnny Jambo
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 01:14 PM#30 jaffa, I agree with you but what concerns me is how does he know what colour shirt I am wearing today thats frightening.
MrJaffa
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM#29 t-t - A wind up? an awful clone? or have you in fact had your original profile removed on the basis you were spoiling it for everyone who was interested in using this for having meaningful discussions. If the latter is the case, you only have yourself to blame as there is only the facility to report individual posts as unsuitable as opposed to reporting posters in general. Having said that, if you could report a poster, I am sure there are 10-20 people who would have reported you recently.
tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:56 PMComment removed by moderator
Johnny Jambo
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:43 PMSorry Tommy not me today.
tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:30 PMComment removed by moderator
tommy-tommy
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:28 PMComment removed by moderator
Johnny Jambo
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:03 PMLockie is talking about luck today and Stevenson yesterday, yes there needs to be an element of luck but in the main we have played most of the season without a recognised striker and we have some who could have played, Sutton & Smith for example, we need toi play with strikers, when we have the bulk of the play in most games now and if we give a couple of strikers a run in the team the goals will come I am sure.
De Vries Scores Four
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:26 AM#22 - Agreed. Would probably start with Medhi T and bring Skacel on 2nd half. Would love Robinson to get a shot too but I dont think Paulo can drop Stevenson. We could use a bit of luck too. Big weekend to pick up points and climb back nearer to where we are supposed to be. The lads could use a lift. Decent performances but poor scorelines recently. Hopefully Lockey will have the lads charged up and ready for Butcher's lads. Hopefully, they will bring their bad luck with them too as they have had it in abundance this season. Hibs narrowly beating them for example ;-)
themanwith2brains
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:09 AMwhose segio,is that another new jambo manager lol.the prob most teams have is simple. you make your own luck or bad luck if your playing weegies 12th man, sutton came as the new robbo and ended up like eskilin, but its not his fault if you dont get a chance under a new boss, tactically only playing mainly stevenson up front always mean goals will dry up as he is not a forward. but locke is the next one out door, because he looks a right breast with his reams of paper, and wearing a shellsuit fae river city
MrJaffa
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:07 AMI would take that..... and go with ToTTs team to get it for us. Wouldnt be surprised if it was 2-0 with Sutton and Skacel getting the goals though (Skacel coming off the bench and getting one of his right place right time goals after a save block from the keeper). Probably just wishful thinking that it will be straightforward but really hope the team get going quickly to avoid the fans getting restless.
De Vries Scores Four
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:58 AMHopefully we'll get a bit of luck infront of goal at the weekend. 2-0 for the JT's is my prediction. 1 for Stevenson and 1 for Sutton.
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