Derek McInnes reveals that he maintains regular contact with Sir Alex Ferguson as his Hearts team continues to challenge for the top spot in the league.

The day after a thrilling Edinburgh derby, which saw Hearts secure a late victory on a rain-soaked evening, the team's position at the top of the Scottish Premiership has been further solidified.

Despite the late night, head coach Derek McInnes appears well-rested as he enters the home dressing room for an interview, showing no signs of fatigue.

McInnes attributes his energy to the excitement of the previous night's win, saying, "The adrenaline kept me up, but it's always worth it when you come out on top."

Hearts have demonstrated remarkable endurance, leading the Scottish Premiership since October, and the possibility of them winning the league has become increasingly plausible.

When asked if he could have anticipated the team's success, McInnes responds candidly.

"Honestly, I didn't think we'd be in this position," he admits, "but it just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work and determination."

It's uncommon for a team outside of the Old Firm to be at the top of the league in February, making Hearts' performance all the more notable.

The last time a team broke the dominance of Rangers and Celtic in the top tier of Scottish football was in the 1980s, when a young Sir Alex Ferguson led Aberdeen to numerous titles and trophies, including the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership, Aberdeen won a Scottish league and cup double in 1984, a feat that has been remembered for decades.

McInnes has immense respect for Ferguson, who has had a profound impact on the world of football.

McInnes reveals that he often speaks with Ferguson, who offers valuable advice and insights, saying, "He's always available to provide guidance and share his expertise."

Ferguson's experience and knowledge are invaluable to McInnes, who appreciates the opportunity to learn from him, particularly when it comes to dealing with the media.

McInnes' charm and composure are evident, even when discussing the challenges of handling the press, a task that Ferguson was known to approach with a firm hand.

Ferguson plans to attend a match at Tynecastle in the coming weeks, and McInnes is looking forward to benefiting from his presence and gaining further insight into the game.

McInnes notes that Ferguson is remarkably well-informed about his players, saying, "He has a deep understanding of our team and is always willing to offer advice and support."

McInnes appreciates Ferguson's dedication to the sport, saying, "He watches our games closely and is always prepared to offer guidance, which is a huge asset to our team."

Another key figure who has made a significant impact on the club is Tony Bloom, who acquired a 29% stake in Hearts last June.

As the majority owner and chairman of Brighton, Bloom announced his intention to "disrupt the pattern of domination" in Scottish football, but few expected the team to experience such rapid success.

According to McInnes, the club's success can be attributed to a holistic approach, rather than a reliance on significant financial investment.

"We're not splashing out on big transfer fees," he explains, "instead, we're focusing on smart recruitment and making the most of our resources."

McInnes was pleased to see Bloom in attendance at the recent match, noting that the team has a strong record of winning when he's present.

Bloom's presence seems to bring good fortune, with McInnes saying, "Every time he's been to a match, we've come out on top."

Eilidh Doyle, a lifelong Hearts supporter and Olympic bronze medalist, believes that the team has a genuine chance of winning the Scottish Premiership in her lifetime.

For many fans, this is a new and exciting experience, as the team has not been in a similar position in decades.

The last time Hearts came close to winning the league was in the 1985-86 season, when they ultimately fell short due to a narrow margin on the final day.

A 2-0 defeat to Dundee, combined with Celtic's 5-0 win over St Mirren, resulted in the Hoops being crowned champions by a margin of just three goals.

Eilidh Doyle, who was born the following year, is now experiencing the thrill of watching her team compete for the top spot, something she never thought she'd see in her lifetime.

"It's surreal," she says, "I never thought I'd witness Hearts being in a position to win the league, but now it feels like a real possibility."

As a season ticket holder at Tynecastle, Doyle has been able to witness the team's progress firsthand.

"It's a strange feeling, but for the first time, I genuinely think we have a chance to win it all," she admits, while also being mindful of the Scottish tendency to avoid jinxing success.

Claudio Braga has been a key player for Hearts, scoring 10 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season.

The team's supporters have been energized by the club's success, with attendance and enthusiasm on the rise.

A song dedicated to Claudio Braga, written by fan Calum MacKenzie, has become a viral sensation, capturing the excitement and spirit of the team's fans.

MacKenzie's song was inspired by the team's success, which he had never experienced before, and has become an integral part of the match-day atmosphere.

"It's a catchy tune," MacKenzie says with a smile, "and it's great to see the players feeding off the energy of the crowd."

His song has played a role in creating a lively and supportive atmosphere at Tynecastle.

MacKenzie wrote the song to the tune of Queen's Radio Gaga, recorded it, and shared it with a Hearts supporters' group, from where it spread to social media and eventually the stands.

The song has been viewed over five million times, with fans enthusiastically singing along to the catchy melody.

MacKenzie jokes that if Hearts win the league, he'll be taking credit for their success, saying, "Luckily, we're doing well, and Claudio is a great player, so the song gets sung a lot – and if we win the title, I'll be claiming responsibility!"

As Hearts continue to make their mark on Scottish football, their supporters are cautiously optimistic about their prospects. While manager McInnes refrains from discussing the possibility of winning a trophy, he acknowledges the team's impact on the league, describing their performance as a disruption to the status quo.

McInnes reflects on the team's journey, noting that they were initially seen as a feel-good story, with many underestimating their ability to compete at a high level. "At the beginning of the season, we were viewed as a pleasant surprise, with many thinking Hearts were just having a good run," he comments.

The manager recognizes that his team's success is likely to have ruffled a few feathers, particularly given the dominance of Rangers and Celtic over the past 40 years. This prolonged period of dominance has led to a sense of expectation, making Hearts' achievements all the more notable.

Hearts have enjoyed significant success against the Old Firm this season, with two wins and a draw against Celtic, as well as two victories over Rangers, whom they are set to face at Ibrox in their upcoming match.

Despite their impressive record against the top teams, McInnes remains focused on the present moment, recognizing that complacency could be detrimental to their campaign. He emphasizes the need to stay vigilant and avoid distractions.

The manager also acknowledges the importance of appreciating their current position, saying, "If I were an outsider looking at a team that has been at the top of the league for nearly five months, I would think the manager's life must be very enjoyable." This perspective encourages him to savor the experience.

A separate note mentions Calum MacKenzie, the creator of the Claudio Braga song, although this appears unrelated to the current discussion about Hearts and their performance in the league.