 Hearts are enjoying a buoyant time since Jim Jeffries returned to steer the club. The numbers turning up at home games have been boosted with the games against Falkirk and Hamilton producing crowds of around the 14,000 mark. Saturday's game against Hibs also boosted the coffers and confidence of the side. Football is not just about what happens on the pitch and fans turning out to support the team can encourage players to give of their best and secure a top-six place. Hearts believe that the return of Jeffries as manager has been a vital part of the run in to the end of the season. A club spokesperson said: "Despite having only played two out of our last seven games at home, we've noticed a boost to the crowds in relative terms at Tynecastle since Jim returned to Hearts. Our supporters have been excellent all season and Jim's return seems to have galvanised the fans once again. The game against Hibs was sellout for a week before the game and ticket sales for the Rangers game next week at Tynecastle are also selling very well. It is widely acknowledged by many players and supporters of clubs around the country that Tynecastle has a unique atmosphere when the ground is full and, with the proximity of the stands to the pitch, it can be a very special experience. We have two of our remaining three pre-split fixtures at Tynecastle – Rangers and Kilmarnock – and it certainly looks like the fans are rallying around to help the team reach the top six." |