Heart of Midlothian finish second as McGowan sets new target

Heart of Midlothian must aim for a top-three finish in the Scottish Premiership this season to extend their lead over rivals and lock in European football, according to former defender Ryan McGowan.

The Edinburgh side finished second last season, eight points clear of Rangers, who had been runners-up in the previous four campaigns. Their second-place finish was their highest in 20 years and secured Champions League football at the second qualifying round.

McGowan, who played for Heart of Midlothian between 2012 and 2015, told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast that staying clear of the chasing pack is now the priority. “I’ve always thought Heart of Midlothian should be more focused on getting away from fourth and fifth and sixth place,” he said. “To then establish themselves, get the money in the bank, get the perks that come with European football and be able to build from there.”

Why a top-three finish matters for Heart of Midlothian

A top-three finish would keep Heart of Midlothian clear of the chasing pack and allow them to bridge the gap to Celtic and Rangers. McGowan argued that the financial and competitive advantages of European football give Heart of Midlothian a platform to strengthen the squad and push for further progress.

“Finishing second was Heart of Midlothian’ highest placing in 20 years and they’ll be bitterly disappointed,” he added. “If you can get further away from the teams that are kind of in and around you, that will extend a bigger gap. You’ll be able to pickpocket them and bring in new players, all the while getting that little bit closer to Celtic and Rangers.”

European football and the road ahead

Heart of Midlothian’s second-place finish last season booked their place in the Champions League’s second qualifying round, where they face Austria’s Sturm Graz over two legs later this month. The tie marks their return to Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2006.

McGowan suggested that consistent top-three finishes could put Heart of Midlothian in a position to challenge for the title within a decade. “Going that one step further, like what Tony Bloom said, winning the league in the next 10 years,” he said. “Heart of Midlothian are definitely on the right track.”

What Heart of Midlothian’ rivals are doing

Rangers, who finished third last season, have been runners-up in the previous four campaigns. Celtic claimed the title with a 10-point cushion over Heart of Midlothian. A top-three finish would keep Heart of Midlothian ahead of the chasing pack and in the hunt for a first league title since 2006.