By Callum McFadden from Hampden Park
Hearts manager Neil Critchley shared his thoughts with myself and a number of journalists following his side’s disappointing defeat to Aberdeen in the semifinal of the Scottish Cup.
After a challenging season, Critchley is keen to have a full pre season with the team and help create happier times for the club and its supporters in the future.
Neil, can you please tell us your thoughts on that performance?
“I’m really proud of how the team played. I thought we started the game very well. We conceded a really poor goal from their first foray into our final third, but we responded really well. I thought we were the better team in the first half—played with energy, intensity, and we were positive in our actions.
“With 10 men, I thought we were brilliant. The way we defended, our organisation and character—we put our bodies on the line. The least we deserved, in my opinion, was to take it to penalties and give ourselves the opportunity to get through to the final.”
What was your view on the first red card?
“I’ve never seen a referee get a red card out quicker in my entire life, to be honest. It was a long way from goal, we had recovering defenders, and he couldn’t wait to send him off.”
Did that make the half-time changes that you made a tough decision tactically?
“Yeah, really difficult. In the last few minutes of the first half, they got Elton and Jamesy wide, and they’re really good at overloading your last line. They push the full-backs on, wingers come inside—you can get outnumbered defensively.
“We didn’t want to take off our attacking players, especially the ones with pace who could get us up the pitch. But we felt that sticking with 4-4-1 would give us real problems and sink us back. We’ve seen them do that to other teams. So we switched to 5-3-1, and I thought we executed it brilliantly.”
Did they have many chances after that change?
“They had a header just after half-time that went wide, but other than that, I don’t think they had many real opportunities. We still carried a bit of a threat ourselves. Craigie [Craig Gordon] made a magnificent save in the first half of extra time—that was about it until right at the end when we were down to nine men.”
Did you speak to the referee about the decisions?
“I tried to. I always try to say things respectfully and hope you get that respect back. I don’t think I got that today. There were a few questionable decisions throughout the game – Cammy Devlin’s bookings, for example.
“The second one, he’s in motion, going to clear the ball, and the lad jumps in front of him. It’s a foul, sure, but a booking? Come on. Absolutely incredible. I’m gutted for the players and supporters – they were magnificent today. At the very least, we deserved the chance to go to penalties.”
Given recent disappointments, do you have a clear idea of the changes needed this summer?
“Yes, definitely. That can’t be influenced by just one or two performances. You need a clear strategy and plan – know your identity, how you want to play, and which players fit that style. Some are out of contract, and the squad evolved in January. It will evolve again in the summer.
“Look at Aberdeen – they struggled last season, started this season well, hit a rough patch, and now look at them. That’s how football goes sometimes. We have to think carefully about what we want and how we go about it to improve next season.”
Are you confident about having your own pre-season with the team and building from there?
“Yeah, I am. When the players perform like they did today – show that character, follow the instructions – that’s all you can ask for as a coach. Of course, there are always things we could do better, but across 120 minutes, I saw enough to know we’re heading in the right direction.
“If I didn’t see those characters in the dressing room, I’d be concerned. But I’m not. It’s my job – and the staff’s – to lead the group and make sure we finish strong. The supporters deserve that. They’re an expectant group, and rightly so. We need to give them something to believe in.”
Callum McFadden 