Publisher's Synopsis
When Hearts won the Scottish Cup in 1998, the club promised to spend millions in a bid to compete with the Old Firm, but in fact it would be another eight years before the famous trophy returned to Tynecastle. This time, Lithuanian multimillionaire Vladimir Romanov was in town, determined to provide funds to ensure that success was achieved on a more frequent basis.
Despite major upheaval behind the scenes, 2005-06 was one of the most noteworthy seasons in the history of Heart of Midlothian FC. The team finished second in the SPL, secured a place in the Champions League for the first time and also won the Scottish Cup. This was all achieved against a background of dramatic developments at Tynecastle: George Burley was sacked as boss, despite an unbeaten start to the league campaign; chief executive Phil Anderton was dismissed, and chairman George Foulkes resigned in protest at Anderton's treatment; and Graham Rix was controversially appointed as head coach only to be sacked after just 135 days in charge.
Believe! is the record of a remarkable season. It examines how the club triumphed despite the unrest and reveals for the first time why Burley was dismissed and Anderton departed. It is a must-read book for all fans of the Gorgie club and followers of Scottish football in general.
