Why Derek McInnes ‘gets it’ when it comes to Hearts and derbies.

When the Scottish Premiership fixture schedule for 2025/26 is revealed, Heart of Midlothian fans will immediately hunt for the Edinburgh derby dates.

That includes head coach Derek McInnes, who found out this week who his first four competitive opponents will be following the Premier Sports Cup group stage draw. In less than a month, Hearts will also know who they will face to begin the league season, as well as the three confirmed meetings with Hibernian.

Hearts failed to win a match against their fierce rivals for the first time since 2012/13, with the exception of seasons when they were in different leagues. It was part of the reason fans began to turn against previous incumbent Neil Critchley, fuelling the myth that the head coach struggled in big games. It means that supporters will have an even greater desire to get one over their capital opponents in the future season, and McInnes is well aware of how crucial these games can be in terms of how those in control of Hearts are seen. “It’s obviously an attraction for any Hearts manager, the atmosphere and the whole intensity,” according to him.

“I’m looking forward to all of the games, but the derbies have traditionally drawn large crowds. And you’ve got it. You understand how crucial it is. I understand how vital it is for a manager to win these games as well. “I’m excited to get started and play any team, but obviously the Hibs games have a bit more to them. I believe that when the fixtures are released, the games will be the first thing that the players, myself, and the supporters look for. The one moment to cherish from the three matches against Hibs last season was teenage striker James Wilson’s late equaliser at Easter Road, days after he’d scored his first ever goal for the club.

That won Hearts a point at the time to end a decent first week in command for Critchley. Wilson used that as a springboard to become a regular in the starting XI, culminating in being Scotland’s youngest-ever international at senior level and a young player of the year nomination. McInnes is thrilled to work with him, and he credits his predecessors with bringing him up to the first team level. The new Hearts manager praised the 18-year-old’s abilities and stated that he sees him as crucial to maintaining a “balance” of options up front.

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