THE ambition for most clubs that climb into the Premiership from the Championship is to avoid relegation, consolidate and then hopefully build from there. Hearts are no ordinary case in point, however.

As Robbie Neilson prepares to embark on another top flight campaign at Tynecastle, the targets must be somewhat loftier than finishing tenth or taking their chances in the play-offs. With all respect to many of the sides that Hearts will meet in the coming months, the Jambos have to be aiming for a top six finish.

There will be a section of the Gorgie crowd, no doubt, that will have their sights set on best of the rest. Given the relative strength of Hibernian and Aberdeen, that may well prove beyond Neilson’s side at the first time of asking, but there should be no fears of another battle to beat the drop.

The last one that Hearts were involved in, of course, was taken out of their hands. The acrimony from how that season ended may have subsided somewhat, but there is no doubt that Hearts have returned with a point to prove and a bit between their teeth.

There is arguably not a club in Scotland that suffered more when Coronavirus hit and halted our game and the machinations of that controversial, convoluted summer continue to leave a black mark. As the nation finally emerges from the pandemic, Hearts can now start to settle back into their own version of normality having regained their place in the Premiership.

That spot – taken away from them on a points-per-game basis despite there being eight fixtures outstanding in the 2019/20 campaign – was regained with relative ease last season but there were still moans and groans amongst a socially distanced fanbase.

The appointment of Neilson ahead of their Championship title tilt was a popular decision, but frustrations would quickly grow and develop regarding the style of play and some of the performances that were produced. At times, the season was a slog for supporters.

The campaign as a whole was something of an anti-climax. It was a means to an end and the celebrations were muted at Tynecastle as Hearts achieved what was expected of them, ultimately finishing 12 points clear of Dundee at the end of a shortened second tier season.

Now that supporters can take their seats and revive the famous Tynecastle atmosphere, there should be a rejuvenated feel around Gorgie this term. Whatever reservations many have over Neilson and his squad, there has to be an excitement heading into the new campaign.

Four wins and four clean sheets – against Peterhead, Cove Rangers, Stirling and Inverness CT – were typically functional and it was a case of job done in the League Cup. The challenge of Celtic in the next round will naturally be stiffer, though.

The same opposition await as Hearts return to the Premiership and the opening weeks of the campaign look set to test Neilson and a squad that hasn’t exactly had an overhaul during the summer break.

Aberdeen and Hibernian both visit Gorgie early in the season, while Neilson will return to Tannadice on week four. Even if there are reduced numbers inside the ground, the 41-year-old will surely still be expecting a fierce welcome from his former fans.

It is those who currently pay his wages that he has to be most concerned about, however, and Neilson could do with an assured start to the campaign to avoid the noise levels rising.

He is older and wiser following his stints at MK Dons and Dundee United and this season gives Neilson a chance to prove himself as a Premiership manager once again. This is a term of real importance to the man in the dugout as well as those who have faith in him in the boardroom.

Neilson does, at least, have plenty of experience within his ranks. Craig Gordon, who has replaced Steven Naismith as captain following his retirement and move into coaching, can lay claim to being one of the best keepers in the league, while Gary Mackay-Steven, Jamie Walker and Liam Boyce are tried and tested operators at the other end of the park.

The turnover at Tynecastle in recent years has been remarkable and Neilson has admitted that he would like to strengthen further before the close of business. Further reinforcements would be no bad thing, but the priority must be getting the most out of what he has in terms of results whilst giving fans a style and approach that they can get enthused about.

A new Premiership campaign should feel like closure to yet another dramatic period in the recent history of Hearts. The wrongs of previous years cannot be righted, but one of Scotland’s biggest clubs now has a chance to establish itself as a force once again.

The league looks and feels different with Hearts back amongst our top-ranked sides and the Jambos should be welcomed by all. They are, after all, not like most newcomers.

Manager: Robbie Neilson

Captain: Craig Gordon

Key player: Keeper Craig Gordon has replaced Steven Naismith as skipper following his decision to retire and his influence will be crucial on and off the park as the Jambos return to the Premiership. Even at 38, Gordon was far too good for the Championship last term and he will perhaps have a point to prove now that he is back in the top flight. If Hearts are to have a successful season, Gordon will need to be at his best.

In: Ross Stewart (Ross County), Josh Ginnelly (Preston North End), Alex Cochrane (Brighton and Hove Albion), Beni Baningime (Everton)

Out: Craig Wighton (Dunfermline), Christophe Berra (Raith Rovers), Harry Cochrane (Queen of the South), Colin Doyle (Kilmarnock), Elliot Frear (Bath City), Olly Lee (Gillingham), Lewis Moore (Queen’s Park), Steven Naismith (retired), Andy Irving (Türkgücü München), Aidy White (free), Zdenek Zlamal (free)

Last season: It was a case of job done for Hearts as the Championship title was won at the first time of asking. A lead of 12 points over Dundee seems impressive enough, but there were grumbles of discontent amongst supporters at some of the results and performances. A summer of controversy hung over Tynecastle and ensuring an immediate return to the top flight was all that really mattered.

Odds: 250/1