Frail determined to lift Hearts

Stevie Frail has told Hearts fans there will be no repeat of this season's disappointments next term - even if he is no longer in charge.

Frail: Uncertain future
Frail: Uncertain future

The Tynecastle outfit have endured a roller-coaster campaign that has seen them playing in the bottom six of the Scottish Premier League for the first time since the split was introduced.

Victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday - and a slip-up by nearest rivals Falkirk - could at least secure seventh place, but it is been a season of huge underachievement.

Frail, handed full caretaker control on January 1, remains unsure of his long-term future under owner Vladimir Romanov, but a permanent manager should be appointed this summer.

But even if Frail is not the man picked by Romanov to lead Hearts into the 2008-09 season, he will work tirelessly in the weeks ahead to make sure the club become a stronger force.

He said: "If it was a report card, it's not been good enough - and that applies to everyone.

"We need to make sure next season's report card reads a lot better. The fans don't deserve another season like this.

"Pre-season has to be right, we need to hit the ground running the first day of pre-season and be ready for our first league game and make sure we get three points.

"When you look back to losing your first game of the season at home to your rivals [1-0 to Hibernian at Tynecastle], it just wasn't right from the start and it's important we make sure everything is for the start of next season.

"Between now and the first day of pre-season I will be working to make sure everything is right, whether it is me in charge or not.

"If it's not then I want to make sure I've left everything in place for whoever is coming in."

Monday's 2-1 defeat at Falkirk was Hearts' first loss in eight matches and Frail was unhappy to see a decent run ended so meekly.

Now he wants a reaction against the Rugby Park outfit at least to cheer supporters at the last home game of the season.

Frail, who refused to be drawn on reports linking the club with Mark Kerr of Dundee United and Rangers' Alan Gow, added: "Monday night was disappointing so it's important we win this game and give the fans a wee bit more back.

"They've been there every week and we need to give them something back.

"Falkirk were up for the game more than we were and we need to get a reaction on Saturday to go out and get the three points."

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