Peter Grant, the former Celtic midfielder known for his grit, has weighed in on Hearts’ bold ambitions under Tony Bloom.
While he respects the aim to take on Celtic and Rangers, he made it clear that breaking the Celtic’s grip on Scottish football is no easy task.
Hearts have been boosted by a £10 million investment from Bloom, who also owns Brighton. Drawing on his success in England and Belgium, Bloom wants to push Hearts into the title conversation and hopes to win the league within ten years.
Grant understands why someone would invest with that mindset, if you don’t believe in it, why do it at all?
Still, with years of experience behind him, Grant had a word of warning. He pointed out how unpredictable the game can be, especially in cup competitions, and stressed that while Celtic are clearly the strongest team, a one-off match can always throw up a shock.
His view puts Hearts’ ambition into perspective without dismissing it outright.
Grant also pointed to the gap in consistency and strength between Celtic and Hearts, even with new money at Tynecastle. But he recognises Bloom’s belief, saying that without that drive, there’d be no reason to spend. His comments strike a fair tone, recognising ambition but grounding it in the realities of Scottish football.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “Well, going with Tony Bloom, he thinks that they’re going to split Celtic Rangers, or win it within the next, whatever, 10 years, is it?
“You should find that’s a little bit harder in Scotland, to be perfectly honest with you. But I understand what you’re saying, and if he’s not got that belief, why would you put the money in?
“But over the piece, Celtic have got the best team, but a cup tie, anything can happen in a cup tie.
“But that’s why I always say when people talk about the treble and Celtic, it’s so, so difficult.
“It’s hard enough to win the league, but you get another chance if you lose a game. In the cup, you’re out.
“But Celtic are the best team, and I agree. I think they’ll get stronger.”
Grant’s comments bring a grounded take on the growing talk around Hearts’ ambitions. He doesn’t knock Bloom’s drive, in fact, he says it’s that belief that makes the spending worthwhile. But he’s clear that overtaking Celtic is a huge challenge.
He points out that while cup games can bring surprises, winning the league is a different kind of test. One bad day and you’re out in the cup, but in the league, it’s all about week-in, week-out results, something Celtic have mastered.
Grant also sees Celtic as the top side right now and believes they’re only going to get stronger. That means Hearts aren’t just trying to improve, they’re chasing a team that’s already well ahead and still moving forward.
In the end, Grant’s view shows that Hearts are being taken seriously. The plan has real intent, but it also comes with a mountain to climb. Whether they can match Bloom’s belief with results will decide if they truly shake things up, or if they just stay on the outside looking in.
