The location may be change, but pre-season is always tough.
Hearts are in the south of Spain for a week of hard work in the sun as Robbie Neilson lays a fitness foundation for the season ahead. It’s a chance for the new boys like Alan Forrest and Lewis Neilson to get to know their new teammates, while Alex Cochrane is familiar already after last season’s loan.
A trio of youngsters have been given the chance to impress before a decision is taken on whether to loan them out again. It’s double sessions for most of the week as the Jambos build up to Thursday night’s friendly against Europa FC.
There will be several more ice baths between now and then however as the conditioning work continues on the Costa Del Sol. Here’s what we spotted at training as Robbie Neilson, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest put the squad through their paces.
Alex arrives
Meet the new left back, same as the old one.
He’s well known to the squad, but Alex Cochrane is a fully fledged Jambo now after returning to Tynecastle on a permanent basis.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive season on loan from Brighton last term, but seemed to be heading elsewhere in England after penning a year’s contract extension with the Seagulls.
Hearts moved to bring him back though, this time for keeps, and he was confirmed on a three-year deal yesterday with a Love Island-themed announcement.
And he’s straight back into the thick of it, joining yesterday afternoon’s session before today’s double dunt.
Mercury rising
It probably goes without saying, but it’s hot out here.
Saturday’s morning session was done in temperatures of mid-twenties, and it's set to hit 28 degrees today.
Training is split to avoid the hottest part of the day, with Neilson’s squad heading back out to the training pitch around 4pm after some lunch and a bit of down time.
There’s not much in the way of shade around the pitch, so cooling off measures are regularly required, with the odd sprinkler blast keeping the surface nice and slick.
Ice, ice baby
Nothing beats the heat like a good old fashioned ice bath.
And the Hearts boys have been getting up close and personal when it comes to rapid recovery.
It’s four men to a tub and the smiles show that taking the plunge isn’t the hardship it would be in cooler climes back home.
Liam Boyce accessorising with a chilled towel on top is a wise move considering his hairless head.
El ninos
Connor Smith and Euan Henderson spent last season out on loan,
But the pair have joined the first team squad for pre-season as Neilson ponders whether to farm them out again for more experience or keep them around.
Smith helped Queen’s Park to promotion via the play-offs, scoring five times in 34 appearances for the Spiders.
Henderson was in red hot form for Alloa with 18 in 34 for the Wasps.
Given Boyce is the only senior striker on the books, the forward will likely stay where he is for a bit yet until reinforcements arrive.
Stepping Stone
Highly-rated Harry Stone makes up the trio of ‘keepers in Spain.
He’s very much the junior member alongside captain Craig Gordon and back-up Ross Stewart.
Another loan could be on the 20-year-old after spells at Partick Thistle and Hamilton last season, but he’s working closely with Gordon, Stewart and goalkeeping coach Paul Gallacher in Spain.
Alternatively, a B team spot between the sticks is an option with the Jambos set to enter a side into the Lowland League this term.
