Jubilant Hearts boss Robbie Neilson targets points record

Hearts were crowned Championship champions following Rangers’ 2-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road which sealed an instant return to the top flight for the Jambos.

But head coach Neilson insists his charges will not take their foot off the gas in their remaining games. Hearts have Hibs’ 89-point record haul in their sights, achieved by their Edinburgh rivals when they won the First Division in 1999.

If the Tynecastle outfit finish off their dominant Championship campaign by winning their remaining fixtures, then they will end the season with an impressive 99 points.

And Neilson insists there will be no let up from his side despite the title being in the bag. He said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to win the league. It’s a great day for the club.

“The objective for the season was to get promoted. We’ve done that and that will give us a head start in planning for next season – but we need to keep winning games.

“We’ve got seven games left and we want maximum points. We won’t be losing focus. If we could set a new record for points for the division then that would be fantastic. 

“When you play for a club of the stature of Hearts you have to keep winning games – and that’s what we need to do.

“We want to win, starting with three more points against Queen of the South at Tynecastle next weekend. To finally get over the line is magnificent. The players have worked so hard and I couldn’t have asked for more. We can now speak to players we want to get from outside the club and speak to players at the club and try and renegotiate. We’ve got guys who have been fantastic for us and we want to keep hold of them. 

“It’s just a great day and it’s testament to the support we’ve had all season from the fans, the hard work of (owner) Ann Budge, left, and (director of football) Craig Levein and all the players. 

“The fans in particular have been magnificent and they deserve to have a great night and a great few weeks.”