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Steven Naismith responds to Hearts lack of identity accusation and which part he accepts

Steven Naismith spoke about Hearts identity
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Steven Naismith has responded to accusations Hearts do not have a playing identity and admitted the one part he is ready to accept.

The Jambos have had a disastrous start to the season and sit bottom of the Premiership table with just one point, ironically gained through a promising opening day showing against Rangers. They have only scored two goals in those games, both consolations, and have looked poor in attack while also giving away cheap goals at the other end.

Among the many criticisms thrown their way from a frustrated fan base as well as pundits has been that they lack an identifiable playing style and their game plan can't be figured out. On the defence on one hand, the boss points out that last season they had an identity of winning games.

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But now, he readily admits they don't have one in terms of their attacking play and that is something he wants to sort out.

He said: “I think last season, our identity has been that we've won games. We've won games consistently. That got us a good run, it got us a good position in the league and fundamentally that needs to be the first thing that people identify with you: That you're hard to beat and you win games, you find a way to win.

“Beyond that, we're probably a team that has more possession than the opposition. Our attacking play and style, I can accept that there has not been a clear way of doing it. As I've just said before, that's an area we need to improve on. There are wee areas that I do think, over time, you will progress and you'll see a consistency that will come. We've not found that this season but ultimately we need to win games to get over that first hurdle and bring that confidence back that helps players play the best football.

“I think, like last season, the clear message is what we're doing. We stick to what we're doing and that gets us results. That worked last season. I think there is a calmness around us. There's an understanding that we've won [before] and we need to get results. There's a frustration for the fans and there's a demand. Ultimately, we need to get results. You'll go into a game on a Saturday and you'll either be favourites or you're the underdog.

“In the times that we're favourites, we need to take control of those games and ultimately get the result. But as I said, we work hard. The squad are really receptive. I've been at clubs where in the tough times the injury list is quite high and the players that are unavailable are very high. I'm sure we've got one injury at the moment. That tells me a lot. That is: One, up for the fight of getting in the team and, two, getting the team to play well to win games.”

Naismith was also quizzed on what seems to be an imminent investment in the club from Brighton owner and chairman Tony Bloom. But he wasn't giving much away.

“To be honest, most things at the club I'm kept up to date with," he added. "I'm not in a position to speak in on it.

"On data in general, I think it's a thing that's been happening in football for the last 10-15 years. It's now at a point where it's not just general output from players, it's in every area of the clubs. I think it's something that's only going to get bigger in football.

“There are areas of the game that it's very early on in, but there are other areas that can be a massive benefit. We use as much at the moment as we can and what we've got the resources for. But I think going forward in every area of every club, it's going to be a big part of it. In terms of any deal, I'm not really in a position to speak any more about it.”