Hearts

2025/26

After years of loyal service as a commanding centre-back, Christophe Berra has returned to Heart of Midlothian — this time not as captain, but as manager. With no previous experience in senior management, the appointment raised some eyebrows, but the Hearts board were swayed by Berra’s deep connection to the club, leadership pedigree, and desire to restore a strong Scottish identity to the team.

Berra’s approach has been grounded in the principles that made him a stalwart on the pitch: defensive discipline, work rate, and physicality. Adopting a pragmatic 4-4-2 system dubbed “Gorgie Grit”, the team is set up to be hard to break down, efficient in transitions, and capable of grinding out results on cold Wednesday nights at Tynecastle.

He’s building around familiar faces: Craig Halkett and Frankie Kent form a solid base at the back, while Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime bring tenacity and legs to the engine room. Up front, Lawrence Shankland is tasked with leading the line, offering a mix of aerial presence and finishing touch.

So far, the focus has been on establishing identity, steadying the squad, and winning over the dressing room. The Gorgie faithful are cautiously optimistic — this isn’t flashy, but it’s honest football, played by a man who gets the club.