Hearts train in 1924

Hearts Jubilee Season

The club celebrated its first fifty years by publishing a history and in December 1924, around 300 guests attended a Jubilee Dinner at the Freemasons' Hall in George Street. That evening a message that captured the moment was read out from former manager, John McCartney: "Heart of Midlothian! May it long continue to prosper, and it's illustrious name, traditions, and glories increase." In that jubilee season of 1924-25, the SFA also allocated the fixture against Wales to Tynecastle and Scotland won 3-1. The Scottish League did likewise and the home side defeated the Irish League by 3-0. Other guests were Hibs and St.Bernards who used Tynecastle for several months due to their own ground improvement schemes.

Unfortunately, the domestic campaign was difficult for manager, William McCartney who was still seeking that consistent winning formula. A big transfer fee of £1,960 had been spent on Hamilton playmaker, Lachie McMilllan, but the team made an indifferent start with only four wins from the first twelve League games, including two defeats against the eventual Champions, Rangers. As a result, Hearts returned to the market in a big way, paying £1,900 for Tom Reid of Rangers; £1,000 for Dave Edgar of East Fife; £2,130 for Jimmy Smith of Clydebank; £1,200 for George Miller of Raith Rovers; and £1,300 for Alex Johnstone of Rangers.

Jimmy Smith hits the back of the net against Cowdenbeath in 1925

Despite these moves, Hearts finished tenth in the League, and the newspapers reported that constant team changes had an adverse effect on results, as did a weak defence that conceded 68 goals against 64 scored. There was dressing room disharmony after the record-equaling 6-0 defeat at Dundee and a brawl among the players. They were all disciplined and told to start obeying the team captain and the trainer who both had an important coaching role at that time.

Hearts looked to the Scottish Cup as a means of reviving the campaign and Third Division, Leith Athletic, were defeated 4-1 at Tynecastle with John White scoring all four goals. However, the maroons failed at Rugby Park and went down 2-1 to Kilmarnock in the Second Round. Hibs even had the upper hand in the local competitions, with Hearts only winning the Dunedin Cup.

The directors' felt that buying experience to support a young squad would soon pay dividends and John Wilson was released along with his full back partner over many years, Paddy Crossan. With League games attracting an average crowd of 17,815 they also had confidence to invest in Tynecastle and in April 1925, it was purchased for £5,000 although the city council retained a buy-back option should the club decide to move. The pitch was then re-turfed and surrounded by a smart cinder track and a new drainage system. The first few steps on the banking were also terraced in concrete.

Hearts face Dundee United in the Scottish Cup

Hearts Revival

The directors' optimism was justified in 1925-26, and results dramatically improved with the team finishing third in the League, eight points behind the Champions, Celtic. John Slaven of Raith Rovers was the only major signing and this better performance came as a result of consistent selection and shrewd tactics, following the introduction of the present offside law. Only two opponents were now required to be nearer the goal line, rather than three. However, as the law took time to be fully understood, it was a season of high scoring with Hearts hitting 87 League goals, John White being the main marksman.

After a slow start, the maroons hit some good form and at the end of September, after defeating Rangers 3-0 at home, the team was fourth in the League. Then following some impressive goal scoring, Hearts were top of the table at the end of February, but the following month, the team lost 2-1 to Celtic in a crucial home game and the title challenge faded. The return of inconsistency was underlined when after a 6-1 win over Morton, they went down 5-1 to Kilmarnock, a result that cost the club second place on the old goal average system.

Hearts looked capable of winning the Scottish Cup although in the First Round, Dundee United was only beaten 6-0 at Tynecastle after a second replay. John White scored four goals that afternoon and five days later, he hit another four as Hearts dumped Alloa Athletic out of the Cup with a 5-2 score line. "Jock" followed this with another four in a League match against Hamilton and four goals in three consecutive games is a record unsurpassed in British football.

A record crowd - 51,000 watch Hearts v Celtic

Hearts then met Celtic in the Third Round on 20 February 1926 and a new record attendance of 51,000 was admitted to Tynecastle before the gates were closed with thousands still trying to gain admission. There was serious congestion at the Gorgie Road End and mounted police restored order after spectators spilled onto the field. Sadly, the game ended in an easy 4-0 victory for Celtic, but the amazing crowd scenes led the directors to accelerate their ground expansion scheme. It was certainly required as Hearts average home gate for League games had hit a new record of 18, 473.

In the local competitions Hearts won the Dunedin Cup; the Wilson Cup; and also the Charity Cup. However, the season had a tragic end because on 23 April 1926, reserve team trainer, 36-year old Bob Mercer, died of heart failure while playing for a Hearts XI against Selkirk at Ettrick Park. He had never fully recovered from being injured and gassed while serving his country during the Great War.

Hearts in 1927

Greater Tynecastle

Massive development work started at Tynecastle during season 1926-27 with the old "Iron Stand" on the distillery side being removed and the banking extended to the boundaries of the stadium and then terraced with wood. A crowd distribution tunnel, lit by electricity, was also built at the school end and a new entrance was started at Wheatfield Street, in addition to many minor improvements.

On the pitch, despite recruiting striker, William Henderson, from Manchester United and defender, Peter Kerr, from Hibernian, Hearts failed to build upon the previous season's success. It was evident early in the campaign, particularly after a 2-1 defeat at Cowdenbeath that it was going to be a hard year. Although Hearts were able to defeat Clyde and Celtic at home by scores of 5-0 and 3-0 respectively, in December 1926, both the local evening papers were barred from the ground due to, "unfair and abusive criticism of the players". However, there was some truth in the reports and Hearts fell back to a dismal thirteenth place in the League and suffered an early Scottish Cup exit. Lack of success and the ground improvements then put strain on finances and in February 1927, to the dismay of the supporters, captain, John White was sold to Leeds United for a remarkable £5,700.

With League form being poor, Hearts needed to do well in the Cup and in the First Round against Clyde, nine special trains carried supporters to Shawfield to swell the attendance to 18,000. Unfortunately, the maroons lost 3-2 after leading 2-0 and this was quickly followed by the transfer of White. The fans were not appeased by winning the East of Scotland Shield; the Dunedin Cup; and the Charity Cup.

In October 1926 the Scottish League beat the Irish League 5-2 at Tynecastle before a crowd of 6,850. Another notable event came on 5 February 1927 when Dave Edgar scored Hearts 2,000th League goal during a 3-1 home defeat by Motherwell.

Hearts Title Challenge

There was distinct improvement in 1927-28 with Hearts finishing fourth in the League, thirteen points behind the Champions, Rangers. Although there was a blow before the start with full-back, Tom Reid, breaking a leg at the St Johnstone Sports, the team would soon benefit from the steadying influence of new captain, Peter Kerr. There was also another experienced group of recruits including Sandy Herd from Dunfermline Athletic; Hugh Shaw from Rangers; and Willie Devlin from Liverpool.

Hearts lost the first two League games but when Shaw was drafted into defence, a great run followed with seven wins in a row. The fans were excited about the first real title challenge since 1914-15, but when a big test came against Celtic in November, Hearts let a 2-0 lead slip into a 2-2 draw. However, after a shaky spell, Hearts went on another fine run at the turn of the year with goals galore from Devlin and Jimmy Smith. Rangers were ultimately too strong and when they drew 0-0 at Tynecastle on 7 March, Hearts title hopes had gone. The maroons then faltered during the final few weeks winning only four points from a possible twelve.

In the Scottish Cup First Round, St Johnstone held Hearts to a draw at Tynecastle, but then in gale force winds, before 11,400 spectators in Perth, the Edinburgh men won the replay 1-0 with an extra-time goal from Willie Murray. Forres Mechanics were then demolished 7-0 at Tynecastle and Motherwell came to Gorgie in the Third Round. Hearts were defeated 2-1 although the fans were upset at a late goal being disallowed for a foul on the visiting keeper. At local level, Hearts did win the Dunedin Cup; the Wilson Cup; and the Charity Cup.

In October 1927, in view of a League ruling that visiting teams had to wear black shorts, Hearts also introduced a new maroon and white hooped shirt for away games.

Rebuilding the Gorgie Road End in 1928

A New Ground or a New Team?

During the summer of 1928, building work commenced on the Gorgie Road end terracing, raising the standing accommodation over both the turnstiles and the church yard. However, with new players also being required, the directors had to seriously consider postponing the next stage of redevelopment which was the completion of the Wheatfield Street exit and the creation of 2,000 places overhanging Gerards' Yard.

At this point some additional financial support from chairman, William CP Brown proved crucial and this allowed the building work to continue and to also make possible three major signings: international keeper, Jack Harkness of Queens Park; Scotland midfielder, Bob Bennie from Airdrieonians for £2,300; and striker, Barney Battles who had been playing in the USA with Boston Wonderworkers. Battles scored on his League debut and hit a hat-trick in his second game. That season, he created a new club record of 31 championship goals and this helped Hearts to once again finish fourth in the League.

The team had made a very promising start and although Hearts topped the table in September, they failed the big challenge when Rangers visited Tynecastle and won by the only goal in front of a then record League crowd of 48,000. After this titanic contest, the Ibrox men went on to easily win the Championship. Hearts lacked quality in a number of key positions, but did challenge Celtic and Motherwell for second place, until a poor finish let both finish ahead of the capital team.

In the First Round of the Cup, the supporters came to Tynecastle to see if this competition would restore Hearts fame, but Airdrieonians had other ideas and won 2-0. There was some compensation in the minor events where Barney Battles endeared himself to the supporters with some remarkable scoring. Within a month he netted five goals in an 8-2 win over Hibs in the Dunedin Cup Final; two more in the 5-1 victory over the greens in the Wilson Cup Final Replay; and another four in the 5-1 win over Hibs in the Rosebery Charity Cup Final.

While the overall playing performance was slightly disappointing, the club now had a fine stadium with an estimated capacity of 60,000. Support was once more on the increase with a new record average of 18,921 at League matches.

In the summer of 1929, the Hearts squad sailed from Harwich on a tour of Scandinavia where seven games were played in Denmark and Sweden. Hearts enjoyed wonderful hospitality and won six games, losing only to Helsingborg.

Hearts Frustrate The Fans

In season 1929-30, Hearts never fielded a regular side and results were erratic. New recruits included Stewart Chalmers from Queens Park; Andy Anderson from Baillieston; Willie McStay from Celtic; and Bob Johnstone from Coldstream, but they were unable to assist the maroons to a better finish than tenth in the League which was a massive 23 points behind the run away Champions, Rangers.

The first game of the League campaign resulted in a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park where a new main stand was opened. Hearts then frustrated their fans with an unpredictable mixture of good and bad performances. The team did the double over Rangers with goals from Willie Murray and Andrew Miller bringing a 2-0 home victory. Hearts then won 3-1 at Ibrox which was Rangers first home defeat for over a year. However, the team was very unsettled and only twice did the same side play consecutively. As a result, Hearts came up with some humiliating results such as losing 6-2 to both Queens Park and St Mirren.

One man not to blame was Battles who hit 24 goals in the 29 League games that he played. His fame spread throughout the country when BBC Radio started to broadcast live football with the first game from Tynecastle coming in October 1929.

The Scottish Cup brought excitement and wins over Clydebank and St Bernards, took Hearts to Easter Road for a Third Round tie against Hibs. A capacity crowd of 28,000 saw Hearts earn a memorable 3-1 victory. This brought a Quarter Final tie at Dundee where Hearts fought back from 2-0 down to force a replay which was won 4-0 in front of 32,000. At that time this was a record crowd for a midweek game outside of Glasgow. Sadly, Hearts then froze in the Semi Final, losing 4-1 to Rangers at Hampden. The mighty crowd of 92,048 was the largest to have watched the Tynecastle club up to that time.

In the minor competitions, Hearts won the East of Scotland Shield and the Charity Cup, but lack of national success, led the directors to discuss the appointment of a team manager who did not have responsibility for secretarial and administrative tasks. Although no immediate action was taken, it had been many years since Hearts had won major honours and the directors at least realised that the club was falling behind.

Barney's Record Season

In June 1930, the club chairman, Elias Furst, was appointed President of the Scottish Football League, but a sad event then proceeded the new season when in August, Hearts most famous former player, Bobby Walker, died at the age of 51. He was buried at North Merchison Cemetery and when his body was brought from the Royal Infirmary in Lauriston Place, many thousands lined the route to pay their respects.

On the playing field, the name Barney Battles hit the headlines week after week as Hearts burly striker powered his way to a club record of 44 League goals. During this scoring blitz he recorded three successive hat-tricks and at the end of season 1930-31 his overall record stood at an incredible 99 League goals in 91 games.

Hearts crashed to Hamilton and Rangers in the first two League games and quickly turned to the transfer market, John White returning from Leeds United for a fee of £2,350 and club also paying Glentoren £1,475 for centre-half, Willie Reid. In October 1930, Reid became the first Hearts player to appear for a country other than Scotland when he turned out for Northern Ireland. Manager, William McCartney also made another significant signing in Alex Massie from the Dolphin club of Dublin.

This recruitment and Battles' goals soon lifted performance and the year ended with a superb 3-0 win over Rangers at Tynecastle and the revival of a League title challenge. But hopes were quickly dashed after a New Year draw with Hibs and a 1-0 defeat away to East Fife. Both these sides were relegated at the end of the season and Hearts generally suffered from a poor defence that conceded 63 goals in 38 matches, against 90 scored. As a result, although there was an overall improvement, the club finished fifth in the League, 16 points behind the Champions, Rangers.

Hearts were potential winners of the Scottish Cup and Stenhousemuir was crushed 9-1 in the First Round after conceding home advantage. In the next tie, Hearts went down 3-2 at Kilmarnock where good football was impossible due to gales of wind and rain.

In the local competitions, the maroons won the Shield and the Dunedin Cup, but these fixtures and benefit matches were now choking the season and as a result, Hearts often had to field weak teams.

Due to a lack of success in the big competitions, the directors continued to debate the future role of William McCartney, and they found it necessary to publicly deny that the manager was leaving the club. To improve the level of fitness, Tom Murphy the trainer was replaced by the experienced James Stewart from Hamilton Academical.

Hearts v Solway Star - 1933 Scottish Cup

Hearts Fall Back

In 1931-32, Barney Battles missed many games through a knee ligament injury and without his goals Hearts fell back to eighth in the League, 27 points behind the Champions, Motherwell. There were some humiliating defeats on the road and the team even lost to Leith Athletic who won only six games all season. As the League campaign wore on, the press was critical of Hearts defensive weakness and lack of team spirit. The supporters were certainly unhappy at appalling results, such as a 6-2 defeat from Clyde.

As always the Scottish Cup brought fresh hope and in the First Round, Lochgelly United was defeated 13-3 in Gorgie with Battles scoring five times. In the Second Round a handsome home gate of 32,696 saw Hearts defeat Cowdenbeath by 4-1 and this set up a massive tie with Rangers. On 13 February 1932, the expanded Tynecastle held a new record attendance of 53,396 but Rangers won the game with Marshall scoring the only goal after 15 minutes. Hearts were slightly unlucky with Alex Massie missing a penalty kick and Bob King being sent off.

Hearts won the Shield; the Wilson Cup; and a new competition, the Stirling Charity Cup. Another positive feature was the recruitment in February 1932 of Tommy Walker who would soon commence an illustrious career. Tommy was not yet seventeen and accordingly, he played for a spell with Linlithgow Rose Juniors.

However, the team had again failed to deliver with the defence letting down a potent attack. There was also a lack of spirit and proper preparation and as a result, in April 1932, James Stewart was replaced by James Kerr the Rangers and Scotland trainer. Unfortunately, the club was not in a position to fully support the manager in the transfer market and indeed, a wage cut was introduced, causing further disharmony.

Hearts trainer Jimmy Kerr instructs the players including a youthful Tommy Walker on his left

Hearts Thrill the Fans

In 1932-33, Hearts were again a thrilling side to watch with the players happier, fitter and sharper under the instruction of new trainer, James Kerr. Trainers' had a major say in tactics and Kerr certainly had new ideas and modern methods. Unfortunately, Barney Battles was sidelined for almost the entire season, following a knee operation, but Tommy Walker was introduced and it was clear that Hearts had found a real star player. Another future stalwart, Archie Miller, arrived from Royal Albert Athletic in October 1932 and these youngsters also brought life to the squad. Accordingly, under the captaincy of the strapping school teacher, John Johnston, Hearts had a solid League campaign finishing third, 12 points behind the Champions, Rangers.

The team profited from a fine start and was among the title contenders after only one defeat in eight matches. In October, the reigning Champions, Motherwell were beaten 2-0 at Tynecastle with John White scoring both goals. A week later, also at home, Rangers were defeated 1-0 with White scoring in the last minute. Typically, the maroons then lost 3-1 to Falkirk and were just too inconsistent to win the championship. At least Hearts forced a 4-4 draw at Ibrox and therefore took three points from the eventual League winners.

Hearts also enjoyed a run in the Scottish Cup, defeating Solway Star, Airdrieonians and St.Johnstone before meeting Hibs in the Quarter Final. The Second Division side held Hearts to a 0-0 draw at Easter Road before a record crowd of 33,759. The maroons won the replay 2-0 with Bob Johnstone and Willie Murray scoring before a Tynecastle midweek record attendance of 41,034. In the Semi Final against Celtic at Hampden, Hearts missed several chances to win but the game ended 0-0 before a massive crowd of 87,219. The maroons unluckily lost the replay by 2-1 at Hampden.

In the local competitions, Hearts won the Shield; the Rosebery Charity Cup; the Dunedin Cup for both seasons 1931-32 and 1932-33; and the Stirling Charity Cup. It was fitting that skipper, John Johnston, picked up the Charity Cup from Hearts patron, Lord Rosebery, after Hearts defeated Motherwell 3-1 in the Jubilee Final. Hearts had been the first winners of this worthy competition that had raised many thousands of pounds for good causes in Edinburgh and district. This ended one of the best campaigns for many years and the club's financial worries were now in the past.

During the season, Scotland lost 5-2 to Wales at Tynecastle on 26 October before 32,175 supporters. Sadly, some tragic events also occurred with the young reserve player, Robert Burns, being killed in a motor bike accident. Former manager, John McCartney also died, as did Paddy Crossan. In addition, in April 1933 a Hearts-Hibs Select lost 3-2 against a Rangers-Celtic Select in a benefit for the dependents of the Granton Trawler Disaster in which many supporters of the club had died.

John Johnston lifts the Rosebery Charity Cup in 1933

Hearts Flatter to Deceive

In July 1933, manager, William McCartney, asked to be relieved of his clerical duties in order to devote more time to his work with the players. This was readily agreed because after a reasonably successful year, Hearts were hopeful that season 1933-34 would at long last bring major honours under the captaincy of the elegant Alex Massie. Again, however, Hearts flattered only to deceive and actually fell back to sixth place in the League, 22 points behind the Champions, Rangers.

Hearts title hopes were effectively ended with two successive defeats in October away to Motherwell and Rangers. Nevertheless, the festive period was eventful with Airdrie defeated 8-1 at Tynecastle; Hibs routed 4-1 at Easter Road; and Dundee demolished 6-1 at Tynecastle. But in the spring, six defeats from eight matches pushed Hearts down the table and the team finished a disappointing sixth. As usual, goal scoring was fine, but the team suffered from defensive problems and to address all the playing issues, Alex Irvine, again promoted the idea of having a team coach in line with the major clubs in England. He was unable to gain the support of his fellow directors.

In the Scottish Cup, Montrose and Queens Park were dispatched and in the Third Round, Hearts traveled to Ibrox and forced a 0-0 draw against Rangers. The replay at Tynecastle attracted a midweek record crowd of 48,895 and the Glasgow men won 2-1 although their first goal could have been ruled out for either offside or hand ball.

In the local competitions, Hearts won the Shield; the Charity Cup; and the Wilson Cup. Meanwhile, at the AGM, the shareholders were told that the club would now adopt a slow build-up of players due to the residual debt arising from the recent ground developments.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN HONOURS BOARD (1924-1934)
The Rosebery Charity Cup: 1925-26; 1926-27; 1927-28; 1928-29; 1929-30;
1932-33; 1933-34
The East of Scotland Shield: 1926-27; 1929-30; 1930-31; 1931-32; 1932-33;
1933-34
The Wilson Cup: 1925-26; 1927-28; 1928-29; 1931-32; 1933-34
The Dunedin Cup: 1924-25; 1925-26; 1926-27; 1927-28; 1928-29; 1930-31;
1931-32; 1932-33
The Stirling Charity Cup: 1931-32; 1932-33

DECADE HALL OF FAME
Willie White; Paddy Crossan; John White; Willie Murray; Andy Herd; Jack Harkness; Bob Bennie; and Jock Wilson

INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
Jack Harkness; John Johnston; Barney Battles; Alex Massie; Andy Anderson; and Willie Reid (Northern Ireland)

SCOTTISH LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
Jimmy Smith; John White; Willie White; Tom Reid; Peter Kerr; John Johnston; Barney Battles; Bob Bennie; Alex Massie; and Andy Anderson

Written by historian David Speed with archivist Alex Knight

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