Hearts: The Golden Years by Tom Purdie is like taking a trip back in time, a time when Scottish football was in its prime. A time when Celtic and Rangers were joined at the top by the likes of Hearts of Midlothian, Patrick Thistle, Motherwell, and Hibernian.
The 1950s and 1960s were truly golden years for the country and its clubs, a time that appears to be so far away today. Today Rangers finds life in the lower leagues tough to swallow, even seeking alternatives to the Scottish game. Celtic is still a powerhouse and a global brand, but you have to wonder about the rest of the competition.
Purdie tells the story of Hearts as only a supporter could, with pride and passion. It makes a huge difference; an outsider couldn’t do the story justice.
The book is full of great photos that literally take you back to a very different time. Legendary players and coaches bring the pages to life, showing why these idyllic years were so defining for Hearts and Scottish football as a whole.
This is for all those who long for a better time for football, before millionaire players and billionaire owners were so commonplace. This book is for the purists who truly love the spirit of the beautiful game and those who recognize the good work of our golden generation footballers. Obviously this is a must read for Hearts fans and anyone that loves the game in Scotland.
Will Scottish football and Hearts, in particular, ever see the golden years again? History does repeat itself so anything is possible.
