Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Jamie Wilson, Phil Craig, Declan Clark
Guest(s)
Release Date
26 December 2024
Duration
97 min
In this By Far The Greatest Team festive edition — the Boxing Day Bonanza — hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regulars Jamie “South Coast” Wilson, Declan Clark, and Phil Craig for a Christmas challenge: each must pick a team, make the case for its greatness in under ten minutes, and let the others decide if it stands up to scrutiny.
Kicking things off, Graham makes a passionate case for Heart of Midlothian’s 2005–06 season — a year when Hearts dared to challenge the Old Firm duopoly. Under the volatile ownership of Vladimir Romanov, the club’s mix of home-grown Scottish talent and Eastern European imports produced an unforgettable campaign that blended chaos with brilliance.
From Rudi Skácel’s goals and Paul Hartley’s leadership to Craig Gordon’s heroics in goal, Hearts played fearless, attacking football that saw them finish second in the SPL — their highest position in decades — and secure a Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden.
The discussion captures the contradictions of that season: political drama in the boardroom, rapid-fire managerial changes, and the unshakable belief that, for a brief, glittering moment, the natural order of Scottish football could be overturned.
It’s a story of ambition, turbulence, and triumph — football theatre at its finest.
Takeaways
Hearts’ 2005–06 challenge to Scotland’s football elite
Tranmere’s golden 1990s run under John King
Arsenal 1939 and The Arsenal Stadium Mystery film connection
San Marino’s surprising 2024 unbeaten streak
Oxford United’s 1986 League Cup triumph and legacy
Hearts 2005–06: Breaking the Old Firm Spell
For a brief, brilliant season in 2005–06, Heart of Midlothian became the great disruptors of Scottish football. Under the combustible ownership of Vladimir Romanov, and initially guided by George Burley, Hearts charged out of the blocks — unbeaten in their first ten games — and dared to dream of a title challenge against Celtic and Rangers.
On the pitch, they were exhilarating. Rudi Skácel couldn’t stop scoring, Paul Hartley ran the midfield, and Craig Gordon emerged as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers. Off the pitch, the club descended into chaos, with Burley sensationally sacked while top of the league, followed by a carousel of managers.
Yet somehow, amid the madness, Hearts held it together. They finished second in the SPL and lifted the Scottish Cup at Hampden, defeating Gretna in a penalty shootout to seal their best season in decades.
In this Boxing Day Bonanza, Graham Dunn argues that Hearts’ 2005–06 campaign deserves a special place in football folklore — a season where defiance, drama, and daring ambition briefly cracked Scottish football’s duopoly.
It wasn’t just success — it was beautiful chaos.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Hearts’ 2005–06 challenge to Celtic and Rangers
Vladimir Romanov’s ownership and off-field drama
Rudi Skácel’s goalscoring heroics and Paul Hartley’s leadership
Craig Gordon’s emergence as a world-class goalkeeper
The 2006 Scottish Cup final triumph over Gretna
Hearts defeating Rangers at Tynecastle to announce their title challenge
The sacking of George Burley while top of the league
Rudi Skácel’s scoring streak across the season
Winning the 2006 Scottish Cup final on penalties against Gretna
Finishing second — the highest non-Old Firm finish in SPL history at that time
Notable Manager
George Burley, Graham Rix, Valdas Ivanauskas
Notable Players
Rudi Skácel, Paul Hartley, Craig Gordon, Steven Pressley, Takis Fyssas, Edgaras Jankauskas, Roman Bednář, Julien Brellier, Andy Webster, Neil McCann
Style of Play
4-4-2, High Tempo, Attacking, Direct, Pressing, Resilient
Hearts’ 2005–06 style was built on fearless energy, direct transitions, and wide attacking play. George Burley’s side, before his controversial mid-season dismissal, pressed high and played with fluidity in a 4-4-2 that morphed into 4-3-3 in attack.
At their best, Hearts mixed Scottish grit with European finesse. The midfield trio of Hartley, Brellier, and Skácel combined work rate with creativity, while Pressley and Webster anchored a disciplined defence. Out wide, Neil McCann and Fyssas provided width, with Jankauskas and Bednář offering a physical edge up front.
What defined them wasn’t perfection but personality — a team that thrived on chaos and confidence. Their matches were high-tempo and unpredictable, driven by the Tynecastle crowd and fuelled by a sense of rebellion against Scotland’s football hierarchy.
Despite off-field turbulence, Hearts found rhythm through Burley’s system, which encouraged freedom in attack and compactness when defending. It was thrilling, emotional football that reignited belief in Scottish competition and gave fans a season they’ll never forget.
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