LOVE & EIGHT

Feelgood factor in Gorgie can help 21/10 Jambos stretch lead at top against ragged Hoops

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THERE hasn't been this much excitment swirling around Tynecastle since the early days of Mad Viad's reign.

And there are plenty of parallels with season 2005/06, with the Jambos unbeaten in the league as they head into an October clash with Celtic.

Submariner Vladimir Romanov managed to torpedo their title hopes 20 years ago when he bulleted George Burley after he had only managed to emerge with a point at Parkhead.

But Derek McInnes can rest a little easier as he bids to open up an eight-point lead over the Hoops at Tynecastle tomorrow.

Had Romanov still been in charge, the possibility of McInnes being binned and replaced by Russell Martin couldn't be entirely ruled out.

But the Tony Bloom revolution is based on stats and reason rather than the whims of a megalomaniac so the Jambos boss will be safe even if his side lose to the champions.

Defeat tomorrow would still be a big disappointment though as Hearts will never have a better chance to give Celtic a bloody nose.