Willie Bauld heads Hearts ahead in the 1954 League Cup Final against Motherwell

Hearts Make the Breakthrough

Although the team earned one more point than during the previous season, Hearts could only finish fourth in the League in 1954-55. However, this was of little concern, because on 23 October 1954, for the first time since 1906, Hearts won a major honour: the Scottish Football League Cup.

The campaign actually commenced with a potentially damaging pay dispute, but this was amicably resolved and wages were increased to the not inconsiderable sum of £15 per week. With the players fit and healthy after the South African tour, confidence was high and this was further enhanced by the development of Dave Mackay and John Cumming into international-class half-backs.

The successful League Cup campaign began with Hearts winning five matches out of six in the Qualifying Section that included Dundee, Falkirk and Celtic. This earned a Quarter Final tie against "B" Division, St.Johnstone, which Hearts tied up in the First Leg with a 5-0 win in Perth. The maroons then won 2-0 at home and moved into the Semi Finals where Airdrieonians was defeated 4-1 at Easter Road.

Steady drizzle could not spoil the League Cup Final at Hampden where a crowd of 55,640 saw a match of outstanding quality against Motherwell. Willie Bauld scored twice before the "Steelmen" reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. Hearts then scored a third goal on half time when Jimmy Wardhaugh ghosted in to head home a Jim Souness cross. Bauld completed his hat-trick with a header in the last minute, although a fighting Motherwell side made the final score 4-2 in the dying seconds.

The whistle brought emotional scenes and that evening, celebrations in Edinburgh were even greater, as the city enjoyed a precious moment in the club's history. After 48 years, Hearts were winners and with his hat-trick in the Final, Bauld became the "King of Hearts". The heroes were: Willie Duff; Bobby Parker (Captain) and Tom Mackenzie; Dave Mackay, Freddie Glidden and John Cumming; Jim Souness, Alfie Conn, Willie Bauld, Jimmy Wardhaugh and John Urquhart.

As for the Championship, the maroons were high scoring and entertaining, and in a challenging position by the turn of the year. The quality was underlined on New Year's Day when goals from Bauld (2); Souness; Conn; and Wardhaugh earned a 5-1 victory over Hibs at Tynecastle. Sadly, Hearts ran out of steam, partly due to a bad run of injuries, and only six of the last sixteen games were won. As a result, the club finished fourth, despite defeating the Champions-elect, Aberdeen, by 2-0 at Tynecastle during March.

In addition to a League double over Hibs, the maroons defeated the Leithers 2-0 at the official opening of the Easter Road floodlights. Hearts also hammered its rivals by 5-0 in the Fifth Round of the Scottish Cup before 45,770 fans at Tynecastle. Bauld then scored a hat trick as Hearts defeated Buckie Thistle 6-0 in the Highlands. Next up was Aberdeen, who forced a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle thanks to an inspired display from keeper, Martin. Hearts chance had gone and the "Dons" won the replay 2-0.

The season ended with yet another victory over Hibs, 4-3 at Easter Road in the East of Scotland Shield Final. Meanwhile, Tynecastle had been graced by the painting of the club's new badge on the woodwork above the entrance to the playing field.

Ian Crawford is on target against Celtic in the 1956 Scottish Cup Final

Scottish Cup Glory

Hearts were hungry for more honours and with two thirds of season 1955-56 gone, the League and Scottish Cup double was possible. At the end of the day, only the Cup came to Tynecastle after a fifty year gap, but this sparked off scenes of celebration that are remembered to this day.

Several players, that made a huge contribution to the club, became established during the campaign, Bobby Kirk, Johnny Hamilton, Ian Crawford and Alex Young being the main success stories. Hearts reserve strength was certainly tested when Willie Bauld broke a bone in his foot and Bobby Parker required a cartilage operation.

In defence of the League Cup, the team did well to top the Section against Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers and East Fife. Hearts then met Aberdeen in the Quarter Finals and in the First Leg at Pittodrie, came back to equalise from 3-0 down. Kirk and Wardhaugh then suffered bad injuries after which Aberdeen went on to win 5-3. Bauld and Wardhaugh missed the return game where Hearts went down 4-2 to the eventual winners.

In the Championship, Hearts were brilliant at times, but dropped points after that morale damaging League Cup exit. The team eventually recovered and in November 1955, started an eighteen game unbeaten run which included a superb 7-1 victory over Motherwell at Tynecastle. The irrepressible Jimmy Wardhaugh hit four goals that day and the maroons soon moved up to second place, hard on the heels of Rangers. Hearts unbeaten run ended on 2 April at Partick Thistle and unfortunately, as progress was made in the Cup, points were dropped in the League with the squad strength being overly taxed. Only two wins were recorded from the last seven games and Rangers went on to secure the title, with the maroons finishing third, seven points behind. Wardhaugh scored 30 League goals, inspiring great performances, such as 8-3 and 7-2 victories over Falkirk and Raith Rovers respectively.

Hearts return to Edinburgh with the Scottish Cup

However, the season was to be all about the Scottish Cup which returned to Tynecastle for the first time since 1906 after a marvelous run during which only one goal was conceded. Forfar Athletic was beaten 3-0 in the Fifth Round and then Stirling Albion fell by 5-0, with both games at Tynecastle. In the Quarter Finals, high-flying Rangers were demolished 4-0 in front of 47, 258 spectators on a glorious afternoon in Gorgie.

Scottish Cup success certainly excited the fans and when Hearts faced Raith Rovers in the Semi Final at Easter Road, there was a phenomenal crowd of 58,448. They witnessed a 0-0 draw, with Hearts winning the replay 3-0, thanks to goals from Wardhaugh (2) and Crawford, in front of another massive crowd of 54,233. It was hardly surprising that when the Cup Final took place on 21 April 1956, the attendance was 133,538 which is the largest crowd ever to watch a Hearts match and included an estimated 60,000 Tynecastle supporters.

In a polished performance, Crawford scored in 19 minutes and although John Cumming suffered a gashed forehead before half time, he played on to inspire the team. Just after the restart, Crawford hit a second goal and despite Celtic pulling one back, the maroons did not collapse and secured the 3-1 victory after 81 minutes, when Bauld headed down to Alfie Conn whose shot raged into the net. The winning side was one of the finest in the club's history: Willie Duff; Bobby Kirk and Tom MacKenzie; Dave Mackay, Freddie Glidden (Captain) and John Cumming; Alex Young, Alfie Conn, Willie Bauld, Jimmy Wardhaugh and Ian Crawford. In the evening, Freddie Glidden led the team around the city in a specially decorated open topped bus, amid wild celebrations.

A remarkable total of 324,119 spectators had watched Hearts' six Scottish Cup matches.

Hearts rounded off a memorable season by defeating Hibs 2-1 in the East of Scotland Shield Final. There was a profit of £5,445 and the club paid a 20% dividend to shareholders.

Brilliant Hearts Go Close

After two seasons of success, 1956-57 proved to be an anti-climax. Nevertheless, the team made a fine assault on the Championship and finished second, only two points behind Rangers. It was remarkable that the squad made such a spirited challenge, as there was a succession of injuries to vital players at crucial periods.

In the League Cup, Hearts met Hibs, Partick Thistle and Falkirk in the Qualifying Section and started with a breathtaking 6-1 win over Hibs at Tynecastle where Bobby Kirk scored two penalties and failed with a third. Hearts then lost 3-1 at Firhill and Partick Thistle went on to win the Section with the maroons' form being too patchy. However, the team did manage to beat Hibs 2-1 in the return match at Easter Road.

The Championship started well, with nine points from the first five games, including a fine 3-2 win at Easter Road. Unfortunately, Alfie Conn broke his jaw in this game and was sidelined for four months. The run came to an end on 13 October against East Fife, but Hearts bounced back and were soon top of the League, defeating the nearest challenger, Motherwell, 3-2 at Tynecastle during another run of eight unbeaten games. This set up a crucial match, away to Rangers on 15 December.

Two goals from Wardhaugh gave Hearts an early lead, but the defence collapsed under pressure and Rangers were 5-3 winners. Even so, Hearts were still leaders at the turn of the year and after another good run, they were seven points ahead, but with Rangers having three games in hand. Careless points were then lost at places such as Kilmarnock and the title hinged on Rangers visit on 13 April.

A capacity crowd watched a tense game in which Rangers keeper, Niven, was man of the match. Hearts could not beat him and the only goal came from Simpson of Rangers who scored on the break in 35 minutes. Rangers were now two points behind Hearts with two games in hand, and although Hearts won their last two fixtures, Rangers won their last four, to take the title.

Rangers also ended Hearts defence of the Scottish Cup, winning 4-0 at Tynecastle before 47,484 spectators. Hearts did not even have the satisfaction of victory over Hibernian in the Shield Final.

Hearts play Royal Standard Club Liegeois in the European Champions Cup in 1958

Champions of Scotland

In season 1957-58, Hearts became Scottish Champions for the first time since 1896-97 with a top division record of 132 goals scored and a record number of points, 62 over a 34-match programme. This campaign stands out in the club's history with only Clyde managing to defeat the maroons in the League and the runners-up, Rangers, finishing 13 points behind. Tommy Walker's side harnessed individual brilliance with team work, and had spirit of the highest order. In addition, the players were in superb physical condition, thanks to trainer, John Harvey, and his assistant, Donald McLeod. There was also local boy, Dave Mackay, a quite inspirational captain.

The season began inauspiciously with Hearts joining Kilmarnock, Queens Park and Dundee in a League Cup Section. Although the team ran up a brilliant 9-2 win over Queen's Park, it was Kilmarnock that had the overall consistency and took three points from Hearts to win the group.

Conn was out with a serious ankle injury, but compensation was at hand with Jimmy Murray having an outstanding League campaign, that started with a stunning 6-0 win over Dundee. In successive weeks, Airdrieonians was beaten 7-2; Hibs 3-1; and East Fife 9-0 before Hearts were held 0-0 by Third Lanark. The maroons recovered to win 4-0 against Aberdeen and with the team virtually unchanged week on week, it became unstoppable, playing an attacking style that generated great enthusiasm.

A crunch match came along in October at Ibrox, where 62,000 fans saw Rangers race into a 2-0 lead. Hearts were made of sterner stuff in those days and staged a tremendous fight back, with goals from Wardhaugh, Bauld and Young bringing victory. After Hearts lost at Clyde in November, the team won the next five League fixtures and saw off every challenger with devastating displays, such as 8-0 versus Queens Park and 9-1 versus Falkirk. Hearts were seven points ahead of second place, Hibs, after the 2-0 win at Easter Road at New Year and each week seemed to bring a higher level of performance.

In March, Dave Mackay broke a bone in his foot and missed the last five League games, but even without the skipper, Hearts did not falter. When the maroons beat Raith Rovers 4-1 at Tynecastle on 29 March, Jimmy Wardhaugh scored League goal number 120, setting a new record for the top level that Hearts eventually extended to 132. Then on 12 April 1958, the Tynecastle men went to Paisley and clinched the Championship with a 3-2 win over St.Mirren, classy forward, Alex Young scoring the winner. Hearts finished the campaign by defeating Aberdeen 4-0 at Pittodrie and Rangers 2-1 home. The Championship had rarely been won in a more convincing and entertaining fashion and Jimmy Wardhaugh was top scorer with 28 League goals, followed by Jimmy Murray with 27.

In the Scottish Cup, Hearts scrambled a 2-1 win at East Fife and then beat Albion Rovers 4-1 at home. In the Third Round, Hibs shocked Hearts with a 4-3 win at Tynecastle in which Baker scored all their goals. On 7 October 1957, Hibs also won in Gorgie when the club's floodlighting system was inaugurated. Among the other friendlies played that season, was a World Cup Trial against Scotland, a match in which Hearts recorded a brilliant 3-2 win in a new candy striped jersey. That evening, Johnny Hamilton emphasized his quality on the wing with a wonderful performance.

During the summer, the squad toured North America, except for Murray and Mackay who were on World Cup duty in Sweden. Hearts won eight of nine games played and provided outstanding entertainment. Four were against Manchester City, including a stunning 6-5 victory at the famous Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

Alex Young scores against St.Mirren in April 1960 and Hearts went on to clinch the Championship that afternoon

More Silverware for Tynecastle

In 1958-59, Hearts tragically lost the Championship on the final Saturday of the season, but overall, it was another successful campaign that started in a League Cup Section with Rangers, Third Lanark and Raith Rovers. Hearts won ten points from a possible twelve then cruised to an 8-2 aggregate victory against Ayr United in the Quarter Finals. Easter Road housed the Semi Final against Kilmarnock where goals from Thomson, Bauld and Crawford without reply, took Hearts into the Final.

On 25 October 1958, Hearts won the Scottish League Cup for a second time, crushing Partick Thistle 5-1 in the Final at Hampden before a crowd of 59,960. The winning team was: Gordon Marshall; Bobby Kirk and George Thomson; Dave Mackay (Captain), Freddie Glidden and John Cumming; Johnny Hamilton, Jimmy Murray, Willie Bauld, Jimmy Wardhaugh and Ian Crawford.

Hearts led 2-0 within ten minutes, through goals from Bauld and Murray. The same two players scored another goal each before half time and although Thistle pulled one back in the second period, Johnny Hamilton netted a fifth to spark off the usual wild celebrations when the team retuned to Edinburgh.

During the League Cup run, the club's performance in the European Champions Cup was not so inspired and Hearts went down 6-3 on aggregate to Royal Standard Club Liegeois. The first game in Europe was a tactical disaster and the team was humbled 5-1 in Liege, even though Ian Crawford actually opened the scoring. Scotsport televised the second half of the Second Leg live throughout Europe and thankfully, viewers saw two goals from Bauld earn a 2-1 victory that restored some of Hearts reputation.

Hearts should have retained the Championship, but were runners-up, two points behind Rangers. The Tynecastle men started with nine undefeated matches, including a crushing 4-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road and an 8-3 home victory over Third Lanark. In the latter match, Willie Bauld scored five times, including a hat-trick in seven minutes. Motherwell ended that run in November with a 2-0 victory at Tynecastle and even though the team was not as devastating, Hearts still looked like Champions when they went to face Rangers at Ibrox on 13 December. The maroons were two points clear, but Edinburgh fans in the 66,000 crowd were severely let down, when Rangers swept to a 5-0 win. Hearts were badly hit by injuries and George Robertson was forced to make his debut at centre-half in this crucial game.

The defeat dented morale and only two wins came from the next seven games, leaving Hearts six points behind Rangers by the end of January. A good win over Raith Rovers on 21 February sparked a revival and Hearts were then unbeaten for a further nine matches and back in with a chance. This was despite a devastating blow on 8 March, when Dave Mackay went to Tottenham Hotspur for £32,000. Accordingly, on 11 April, Rangers visit to Tynecastle had the look of a Championship decider and Hearts won 2-0 with Bobby Rankin and John Cumming the scorers. Rankin was one of four players recruited after Mackay's departure, the others being Bobby Walker, Danny Ferguson and Jim Fotheringham.

After the Rangers game, Hearts beat Aberdeen and on the final day of the season, Rangers had 50 points and were due to play Aberdeen at home. Hearts had 48 points and were away to Celtic. Level on goal average, Hearts would retain the title if they won and Rangers lost, but the inevitable happened and both sides went down 2-1. Perhaps if Mackay had stayed on it might have been different. Injuries had also caught up with Hearts and on the final day, both full backs were fringe players, John MacKintosh and John Lough.

In the Scottish Cup, Hearts defeated Queen of the South 3-1 in the First Round before defensive lapses led to a 3-2 defeat against Rangers in Glasgow. There were mixed fortunes in the East of Scotland Shield with Hearts winning the held over 1957-58 Final by 3-0 and Hibs winning the 1958-59 Final by 2-0.

The "Terrible Trio" parted company that season, Alfie Conn joining Raith Rovers in September 1958. Willie Bauld and Jimmy Wardhaugh were also plagued by injuries and with the departure of Mackay, one of Hearts great teams was slowly breaking up. The season ended with another marathon trip, the players flying off to Australia where they scored 109 goals in an unbeaten tour of 15 games.

Champions Once More

As the fifties drew to a close, Hearts had possibly the most successful season in its history. Not only did the team retain the League Cup in 1959-60, but they also regained the Scottish Championship, the only time that the club has won two major trophies in the same season. Andy Bowman and Billy Higgins were now featuring in the half-back line and Hearts were still a formidable attacking force, with the addition of Gordon Smith who had been surprisingly released by Hibs after an ankle injury.

The campaign started with a new £23,000 covered enclosure on the distillery side and it was regularly full for the defence of the League Cup, which started with a 4-0 win at Kilmarnock. Aberdeen then held Hearts to a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle and shortly afterwards, that extraordinary attacker, Jimmy Wardhaugh, moved to Dunfermline Athletic. At that time he had scored a club record of 206 League goals and in all games he is still Hearts most prolific marksman with 376 between 1946 and 1959.

Hearts had resounding wins in the return League Cup games against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, while the other section club, Stirling Albion, could not halt the maroons' progress. Motherwell was then eliminated in the Quarter Finals, after a 1-1 draw at Fir Park and a 6-2 win at Tynecastle. In the Semi Finals, Cowdenbeath also suffered against the Hearts' attack, the Gorgie men winning 9-3 at Easter Road.

The League Cup Final against Third Lanark on 24 October 1959 attracted 57,994 to Hampden and Hearts narrowly won 2-1. It should have been more, but the Glasgow club's keeper, Jocky Robertson, a Hearts fan from Edinburgh, defied the team in candy striped shirts. Third Lanark had scored an early goal and Robertson held out until 57 minutes when Johnny Hamilton thundered home an equalizer from 25 yards. Soon afterwards Alex Young scored the winner and Hearts returned in triumph once again. The winning team was: Gordon Marshall; Bobby Kirk and George Thomson; Andy Bowman, John Cumming (Captain) and Billy Higgins; Gordon Smith, Ian Crawford, Alex Young, Bobby Blackwood and Johnny Hamilton.

In the Championship, the maroons opening spell probably earned the title with eleven wins and three draws bringing 25 points from a possible 28. During this run, Hearts squad of sixteen fit, strong and skilful players saw off the "Old Firm" with a 4-3 victory at Celtic Park and a 2-0 win at Ibrox. Early in December, there were a couple of shock defeats, but Hearts recovered and lost only one more League game. The team certainly entered the New Year in brilliant fashion, an Alex Young hat-trick inspiring a 5-1 victory at Easter Road.

In March, Hearts beat Rangers 2-0 at Tynecastle and the Glasgow club fell out of the title race. However, Kilmarnock was still in the running and after beating Hearts 2-1 at Rugby Park that same month, they were three points behind with a game in hand. Nevertheless, Hearts pace was too hot and the maroons secured the Championship in the penultimate match which ended in a 4-4 draw against St.Mirren at Paisley. Hearts finished four points clear of the Ayrshire club and scored a handsome total of 102 League goals. There was to be no treble, however, as Kilmarnock had revenge in the Scottish Cup, defeating Hearts 2-1 after a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle.

The season ended with defeat in the East of Scotland Shield and then another extensive tour of North America. This included four exhibition games against Manchester United where Hearts one victory over the English giants was by the impressive margin of 4-0 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. Before returning to Scotland, it was announced that the achievements of Tommy Walker, had been recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honours List and the Hearts' manager was presented with an OBE at Buckingham Palace in November 1960.

Willie Bauld, George Thomson, and Alex Young training at Tynecastle

Hearts Restructure

In season 1960-61, Hearts made an early exit from the domestic cup competitions and finished seventh in the League, the first time the club had been out of the top four since 1948-49. Failure to consolidate on the previous season's title win was extremely disappointing and in no small measure, due to a large turnover of players which resulted in the team becoming very unpredictable.

In the European Champions Cup, the Tynecastle men went out at the Preliminary Round, losing both legs to Benfica. Hearts were heavily criticized for their efforts, but when Benfica went on to defeat Barcelona in the Final, these appeared in a much better light. The biggest blow for the fans, however, came in November when star men, Alex Young and George Thomson were transferred to Everton for £55,000.

John Cumming captained the team which began a defence of the League Cup with Section games against Clyde, St.Mirren and Motherwell. Hearts and Clyde finished on top with only seven points each, but as their goal average was identical, the teams met in a play-off before 23,000 fans at Celtic Park. Despite having the bulk of possession, Hearts went down 2-1.

The Championship began well enough, but defeat in the European Cup seemed to affect the players' confidence and points started to be dropped on a regular basis. Hearts then slipped down the League after a run of ten games without a win and Tommy Walker needed to make changes, although his hand was also forced when Young and Thomson went to Everton. A few days after that double transfer, the maroons ended that bad run with a 1-0 home win over Raith Rovers, but they could not find any real consistency and the League challenge was almost over before Christmas. Hearts eventually scored only 51 goals, the club's worst Championship total since 1947-48 and many supporters had doubts about the manager's new 4-2-4 system. There was even a brief relegation threat, although the team was unbeaten in the last six games and finished in mid-table.

Tommy Walker used 30 players during 1960-61, which was nearly twice as many as the previous season. He really needed young men such as Jim Cruickshank and Davie Holt to break through, but in the meantime, the Tynecastle manager released several veterans and signed Norrie Davidson from Aberdeen; Maurice Elliot from Queen of the South; and both Willie Polland and Willie Wallace from Raith Rovers for a joint fee of £15,500.

Hearts' fans certainly had more enjoyment in the Scottish Cup as the maroons reached the Quarter Finals after a 9-0 home win over Tarff Rovers from Kirkcowan; a 2-1 away win over Kilmarnock; and a fine 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle at Firhill. The Quarter Final tie against St.Mirren attracted 34,325 fans to Tynecastle, but Hearts were too anxious and on the break, the home side lost the only goal of the game to Don Kerrigan. A difficult campaign ended with a defeat from Hibs in the East of Scotland Shield.

New Hearts Progress

During season 1961-62, Hearts 4-2-4 system was heavily criticized, but as Tommy Walker's restructured squad did not have the same quality as those of the fifties, tactics were becoming crucial. The team did manage to progress through the League Cup Section against Kilmarnock, St.Mirren and Raith Rovers. Hamilton Academical was then beaten 4-1 on aggregate in the Quarter Finals, but Stirling Albion proved to be much tougher opponents in the Semi Final at Easter Road. Hearts eventually won by 2-1, although it took extra time to eliminate the Second Division side.

In the League Cup Final against Rangers at Hampden on 28 October, Hearts dominated the game but had to settle for a 1-1 draw before a crowd of 88,635. John Cumming scored Hearts goal from a penalty after 78 minutes and the team was: Gordon Marshall; Bobby Kirk and Davie Holt; John Cumming, Willie Polland and Billy Higgins; Danny Ferguson, Maurice Elliot, Willie Wallace, Alan Gordon and Johnny Hamilton.

The replay took place on 18 December and Hearts went down rather easily, although young keeper, Jim Cruickshank, could not be held responsible for the 3-1 defeat. Norrie Davidson scored the Hearts goal before 47,552 spectators and the team was: Jim Cruickshank; Bobby Kirk and Davie Holt; John Cumming, Willie Polland and Billy Higgins; Danny Ferguson, Norrie Davidson, Willie Bauld, Bobby Blackwood and Johnny Hamilton.

Hearts had also been invited to play in the European Inter Cities Fairs Cup and in the Preliminary Round, the team travelled to Brussels to play Royale Union St.Gilloise. Before a 4,000 crowd, goals from Norrie Davidson (2) and Bobby Blackwood earned a 3-1 victory while the home leg was won 2-0. Hearts were then drawn against formidable opponents, Internazionale of Milan, and after a nervous display, the maroons lost the first game 1-0 at Tynecastle. Inter then ran up a 4-0 victory in the return match at the San Siro Stadium, despite playing a weakened side.

European elimination followed by the League Cup Final defeat, dented the players' confidence and League results were very mixed. Hearts took only five points from the first six games, but seemed to have recovered with back to back wins over Aberdeen and Celtic. However, just before the League Cup Final Replay, Hearts lost 6-2 to Motherwell and subsequently struggled to score goals, hitting only 54 in the Championship. As a result, Hearts were out of the title race by January and after a late run of seven games without a win, the team finished in sixth place, 16 points behind the Champions, Dundee. The highlight of the League campaign was a double, and eight goals, against Hibs.

Hearts received a bye in the Scottish Cup First Round and then an all-ticket crowd of 3,716 watched a 5-0 away win over Vale of Leithen in which Alan Gordon scored his first hat-trick. This brought Celtic to Tynecastle for a controversial Third Round match. With ten minutes left to play and with just about everyone expecting offside, Celtic went 3-2 ahead. Danny Paton equalized, but then Celtic was awarded a penalty. Gordon Marshall brilliantly saved Crerand's kick, but the referee, Bobby Davidson, for some unknown reason, ordered a re-take and this time Crerand scored to win the match 4-3.

Hearts beat Hibs 3-1 at home in the East of Scotland Shield Final.

Danny Paton scores against Celtic in the League Cup in August 1962. Hearts went on to defeat Kilmarnock in the Final

Hearts Hit Back

Prompted by a new star, Willie Hamilton, who came from Middlesbrough, the maroons were outstanding in the early part of season 1962-63. However, the team lost its momentum when a very severe winter descended on Scotland and incredibly from 15 December 1962 until 6 March 1963, the players made only one appearance.

The first half of the campaign really did belong to Hamilton who made a huge impression with his passing and dribbling skills. As a result, even though Hearts lost the opening League Cup match against Celtic, they quickly recovered to win the Section that also included the Champions, Dundee, and Dundee United. With Hamilton creating goals for Willie Wallace, Norrie Davidson and Johnny Hamilton, Hearts cruised past Morton 6-1 on aggregate in the Quarter Finals and then hammered St.Johnstone 4-0 in the Semi Final at Easter Road.

Then on 27 October, Hearts defeated Kilmarnock 1-0 at Hampden to win the League Cup for a fourth time. Despite torrential rain, Hearts fans made up the bulk of a 51,280 crowd and they cheered lustily as Willie Hamilton set up the goal with an incisive run down the right wing and a cut back that Norrie Davidson sent into the net. Kilmarnock had a late counter disallowed due to a foul, but Hearts were worthy winners of a seventh honour under Tommy Walker. The team was: Gordon Marshall; Willie Polland and Davie Holt; John Cumming, Roy Barry and Billy Higgins; Willie Wallace, Danny Paton, Norrie Davidson, Willie Hamilton and Johnny Hamilton.

Before the great freeze, Hearts' Championship challenge had been strong, with only one defeat in 16 matches. The maroons had produced some tremendous displays including a 4-0 victory at Easter Road where Danny Paton rocked Hibs with a hat-trick. Airdrieonians were also beaten 6-1 and St.Mirren defeated 5-0. In addition, the fans were entertained at Willie Bauld's Testimonial match when Sheffield United drew 2-2 in Gorgie. Sadly this game produced some financial controversy which kept the "King" away from Tynecastle for many years.

After Hearts drew with Dundee United on 15 December, the team next took to the field on 12 January at Station Park, Forfar in the Scottish Cup. However, the 3-1 victory over the local Athletic side was missed by many Tynecastle fans, due to heavy snow on the road north. The maroons' next outing was also in the Cup at Celtic Park on 6 March. Willie Hamilton was missing, after being suspended by the manager and without his inspiration Hearts went down 3-1.

Form had gone from the squad during the long lay-off and some shocking results were subsequently recorded in a hugely demanding schedule of games. Hearts lost 5-0 at home to Rangers and 7-3 away to St.Mirren, but the game that hurt most came in May, when relegation-threatened Hibernian earned a 3-3 draw at Tynecastle after Hearts were 2-0 ahead and coasting. The maroons eventually finished fifth in the League, 14 points behind the Champions, Rangers.

Willie Hamilton scores against Dundee at Tynecastle in September 1962

Heart Failure

Before the 1963-64 campaign started, Hearts' suffered a major setback when schemer, Willie Hamilton, twisted a knee and required a cartilage operation. In any event, his Tynecastle days were numbered due to disciplinary issues and the supporters were shocked when he moved to Hibs in October for a derisory sum of £5,000.

Under new captain, Danny Ferguson, Hearts began with a 7-0 win over Dunfermline Athletic in the annual Charity Match, but this scintillating form was not carried forward to the League Cup where Motherwell qualified from Hearts' four-club Section, that also involved Falkirk and Partick Thistle.

The team was also involved in the European Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and faced Lausanne-Sports in the First Round. A 2-2 draw in Switzerland was encouraging, but at Tynecastle, only a last minute equaliser from Johnny Hamilton, earned another 2-2 draw. In that time, a play-off was required and on the toss of a coin, Lausanne gained home advantage. Goals from Danny Ferguson and Willie Wallace took the match into extra-time, where the Swiss side scored late to win 3-2.

Hearts were unbeaten in the first six League games which included a 4-2 victory over Hibs at Tynecastle. This run ended with the maroons going down 1-0 to Queen of the South at home, a result that indicated lean times ahead and frustration for supporters who had known great success for almost a decade. Hearts were capable of a brilliant 3-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox, but followed this up with a 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell. It was clear that the squad was not strong enough for a sustained Championship challenge and Tommy Walker moved into the transfer market to recruit Tommy White of St.Mirren; Jim Murphy of Alloa Athletic; and Alan Anderson of Scunthorpe United.

The new faces gave the team a lift and early in 1964, Hearts moved into third place. Four goals were scored in successive games against East Stirlingshire; Falkirk; St.Johnstone; and Queen of the South, with the attacking partnership of Wallace and White looking extremely good. Jim Cruickshank, Chris Shevlane and Davie Holt also provided a solid rearguard and Hearts were still in contention for the title. Sadly, the team's goalscoring prowess received a major blow when Tommy White was hurt in a car crash and on 14 March, after losing 4-0 at home to Dundee United, the League challenge was over. Hearts eventually finished fourth, 8 points behind the Champions, Rangers.

In the Scottish Cup, Hearts easily defeated Queen of the South by 3-0 and set up a titanic struggle with Motherwell. At Fir Park, Hearts came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 and there were 32,403 fans at Tynecastle for the Replay. Substitutes were not permitted at that time and bad injuries to Barry and Cumming crippled the brave home side, allowing Motherwell to win 2-1.

The domestic season ended with a new competition and Hearts won the four-club Qualifying Section of the Summer Cup, against Hibs, Falkirk and Dunfermline. The club was then forced to withdraw, as it was committed to playing in the New York Soccer League. In the USA, Hearts finished second in their Section against English, Italian, German and Brazilian opponents.

Two Finals of the East of Scotland Shield were played that year, with Hibs winning 2-0 at Easter Road to claim the 1962-63 competition and Hearts taking revenge with a 3-0 win at Tynecastle in the 1963-64 Final.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN HONOURS BOARD (1954-1964)
The Scottish FA Cup: 1955-56
The Scottish Football League: 1957-58 and 1959-60
The Scottish Football League Cup: 1954-55; 1958-59; 1959-60 and 1962-63
The East of Scotland Shield: 1954-55; 1955-56; 1957-58; 1961-62 and 1963-64

DECADE HALL OF FAME
Willie Bauld; Alfie Conn; Ian Crawford; John Cumming; Freddie Glidden; Bobby Kirk; Dave Mackay; Gordon Marshall; Jimmy Murray; George Thomson; Jimmy Wardhaugh; and Alex Young

INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
John Cumming; Jimmy Wardhaugh; Alfie Conn; Dave Mackay; Jimmy Murray; Alex Young; Davie Holt; and Jim Cruickshank

"B" INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
Jimmy Wardhaugh; and John Cumming

SCOTTISH LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
Alfie Conn; Willie Bauld; Jimmy Wardhaugh;John Urquhart; Willie Duff; John Cumming; Dave Mackay; Alex Young; Johnny Hamilton; Tommy White; Chris Shevlane; Jim Cruickshank; Willie Hamilton; George Thomson; Bobby Blackwood; and Billy Higgins

Written by historian David Speed with archivist Alex Knight

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