For 41 long years, Scottish football has been a two-horse race. But as Hearts prepare for a monumental clash against Rangers at Tynecastle this Monday, manager Derek McInnes is calling on the fans to turn up the volume and help write a new chapter in the club's history.
The Jambos are dreaming of their first league title since 1960, currently sitting three points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership with just four games remaining. Rangers are lurking one point further back in third, meaning defeat in Edinburgh could effectively end their challenge. It's the kind of tension that makes Scottish football truly special.
"There's obviously a lot riding on the game. We can't downplay that, and why would we?" McInnes said in his pre-match press conference. "It's a brilliant game to be involved in. All the Hearts supporters I've spoken to are eagerly anticipating it."
Some fans grumbled when the post-split fixture list scheduled this blockbuster for a 5:30 PM kick-off on a Bank Holiday Monday. But McInnes has no doubt the atmosphere at Tynecastle—where Hearts remain unbeaten all season—will be electric.
"Monday at that time is unusual, but it's not going to dilute what's going to unfold," added the former Aberdeen boss. "The start of the game will be magnificent. Hopefully the end is even better."
His message to the Gorgie faithful is simple and heartfelt: "We just want Tynecastle to be in its full glory. Bring your scarves, show your colours, give it laldy. Let's go and make it a proper night. We'll be determined to get the right result."
The last time a team outside Celtic or Rangers lifted the Scottish title was 1984/85, when Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen achieved the feat. But a disastrous campaign for the Glasgow giants has opened the door for Hearts, especially since Brighton owner Tony Bloom bought a minority stake in the Edinburgh club last summer.
Bloom, who made his fortune as a professional gambler, has brought his data-driven approach to player recruitment—the same philosophy that has Brighton punching above their weight in the Premier League. Now, the Jambos are hoping it can help them break the Old Firm's stranglehold once and for all.