Vrancken era begins after title heartbreak

It has been 67 days since Hearts last played a competitive match, and it is unlikely they will be involved in anything quite as dramatic as that afternoon at Celtic Park. They came within minutes of securing their first top-flight title in more than six decades before it slipped out of their grasp. However, the work done last season has earned Hearts a shot at Champions League football, even if the route to the league phase is long and demanding. There has also been significant turnover in personnel since May. High-profile departures have seen Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland make the move to Rangers, following last season's head coach, McInnes. As a result, a new cast has been assembled at Tynecastle over the past few weeks, tasked with building on a campaign that few associated with the club will ever forget. Wouter Vrancken has arrived and has had little time to settle into his role, while also overseeing a swift recruitment drive to reshape his squad. The Belgian arrives with an impressive reputation, and those responsible for appointing the 47-year-old are delighted they were able to persuade him to take charge. Expectations, both among the support and within the club, have risen as the curtain rises on a new campaign. It would be unfair to judge where this new-look Hearts side stands on the outcome of their tie with Sturm alone, but regardless of the result, a challenging but intriguing season lies ahead. Read more: Hearts ready to 'go for it' in Champions League quest