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Ryan Stevenson insists Hearts are the third biggest club in Scotland - and it's not up for debate

Hearts fans have turned out in their numbers this season
Hearts fans have turned out in their numbers this season -Credit:SNS Group


Ryan Stevenson insists Hearts only need three more top quality signings this summer.

The Jambos have already snapped up Ross County's Yan Dhanda, Livingston's James Penrice and Motherwell's Blair Spittal on pre-contracts. And while the Tynecastle club will have cash to splash after securing a £5million Euro windfall, Steven Naismith has made it clear he won't stockpile his squad as they prepare to compete across four competitions next season.

Stevenson agrees and reckons it's crucial the Jam Tarts prioritise quality over quantity as they look to close the gap on the Old Firm next year. He told the Daily Record: "Naisy is 100 per cent right. You can't just sign players for the sake of it even if the schedule is going to be extra busy with the European games.

"At some stage that Euro dream ends and you're left with a bulky squad of bodies sitting in the stands every week and that inevitably causes problems. Given the natural evolution of the squad this summer with Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice already agreeing pre-contracts and others destined to leave, then I reckon adding another three quality players would be enough.

"There's young players like Macaulay Tait and Aidan Denholm who will be among the squad and other prospects coming up from the B squad to supplement them too. So if Hearts can add another three of the quality of Frankie Kent, who has been exceptional since signing last summer, then that would really move the team on again.

"It needs to be players who know the levels required, who can handle the pressure of fans wanting to win every week and who are very hungry to succeed. Having the Euro money there should allow them to do that. One thing for definite is that they need to bring in help for Lawrence Shankland.

"Hopefully not a replacement - although a contingency plan will have to be there in case that offer that can't be refused arrives - but someone who can supplement the skipper's goals."

Meanwhile Stevenson reckons there's no question that Hearts are now best of the rest in Scotland after securing third spot.

He added: "Listen, it's been an outstanding effort to secure third so comfortably after the disruptive start of the season where we all thought "where is this going?" Naisy has stuck to his guns, he's obviously had a plan and a vision and the board have stuck behind him.

"The fans have got behind it too and it shows that it can pay not to get caught up in all the noise. Next season now brings its own challenges. Hopefully they can build on it. Nobody can argue now that Hearts are the third biggest club in the country. If they can improve in Europe, finish third and get a chance of silverware in the cups then that would be absolutely brilliant."