SPL Fanzone: Season review

Season highlight

Winning the biggest derby ever, in the Scottish Cup final, 5-1. Those memories will be savoured for some time to come. Other special moments include the semi-final win over Celtic, the unbelievable Hearts support during the draw at White Hart Lane and winning at Ibrox for the first time in eight years.

Season lowlight

The drubbing at Tynecastle by Spurs which highlighted the gulf in class between the top leagues in England and Scotland was fairly depressing, as was going out of the League Cup to Ayr United.

Manager’s report card

Paulo Sergio, pictured, came in after three games and initially struggled to get to grips with the SPL, particularly in away games. But he came good and our Scottish Cup run along with European qualification through both cup and league means that he deserves a new contract. 9/10

Player of the season

Ian Black has been simply outstanding for us and topped it off with a masterful performance in the cup final. He will be sorely missed.

Expectations for next season

With a more youthful team we should be aiming for a top-six finish and a successful defence of our Scottish Cup. It would also be nice to reach the group stages of the Europa League but that will very much depend on the draw.

What needs to be on the club’s summer shopping list?

Rudi Skacel! Aside from that we will probably need a striker and a box-to-box midfielder, unless there are players to step up from the under-19’s. I also remain far from convinced by Jamie MacDonald and would look for a new goalkeeper.

What was the worst moment of the 2011/12 season?

Scotland’s failure to qualify for the European Championships yet again.

And what was the best?

The whole Scottish Cup final experience was as good as it gets.

Broxburn Jambo

SPL Fanzone: Season review - Hearts