Hearts plot pre-season training camp and games in England

The Edinburgh club are planning a trip south of the Border to help players get fully prepared ahead of their return to the Premiership.

Management are looking at staying in the north of England for around a week, incorporating training and games before they head back to Scotland.

Hearts’ competitive campaign starts on July 10 in the League Cup, now sponsored by Premier Sports, and players are due to report to Riccarton for pre-season training on June 15.

Manager Robbie Neilson outlined the plans to the Evening News today and explained that he does not want to travel abroad for pre-season due to Covid risks.

“They are talking about allowing teams to travel abroad but we aren't doing that,” said Neilson.

“Certain teams can charter flights and stay in their own wee bubble. We would obviously need to go on a commercial flight, potentially putting the players at risk, so we will stay in the UK.

“We will probably go down to the north of England, try to get a camp organised and get some games in.

“We haven't arranged it yet because a lot of hotels are getting booked up with bigger weddings allowed now in England. The Euros is on as well so a lot of the training grounds are getting used.

“A few boys will be training right through but the rest will get a couple of weeks off. Then they will get their home programmes before coming back in mid-June.”

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