Hearts out to shatter Scottish football's 'glass ceiling'

Breaking the stranglehold on Scottish football held by Celtic and Rangers has proved impossible for 40 years, but fan-owned Hearts are daring to dream thanks to the expertise of Brighton owner Tony Bloom (right).

- 

Bloom, who made his fortune as a professional gambler, has pioneered the use of data analytics to improve efficiency in player recruitment.

That has propelled his boyhood club into the Premier League and taken Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) from the Belgian second tier to the Champions League.

The Englishman invested £10 million in June for a 29 percent stake in Hearts, with the Foundation of Hearts a supporter-backed organisation retaining overall control of the Edinburgh club.

The new era is off to a flying start, with instant results on the pitch sparking excitement at the possibility of a title challenge.

Hearts are top of the Scottish Premiership after seven games, two points clear of Celtic and 11 ahead of beleaguered Rangers.