Sign in

Joel Sked

@sked21.bsky.social
2.3K followers 81 following 1.4K posts

Editor at Hearts Standard. www.heartsstandard.co.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 18h
Nordsjaelland head coach Jens Olsen picked out five Hearts players he has been impressed with. But it is Jordi Altena who has been the standout. He also spoke about gathering info from Rapid Vienna head coach and the Tynecastle Park expectation.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Nordsjaelland boss names 5 Hearts threats, specific standout & Tynecastle expectation
Nordsjaelland head coach Jens Olsen has been impressed by a quintet of Hearts players.
000
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 20h
Heart of Midlothian have been dealt another midfielder injury blow: Ageu is out with a muscle injury. Thankfully, Euro paperwork hadn't submitted and Malachi Fagan-Walcott has now been added to the Euro squad. Latest from Tynecastle Park ⬇️
heartsstandard.co.uk
Hearts dealt Ageu injury blow, Euro squad change and positive update on duo
Wouter Vrancken has confirmed a midfield injury blow and Malachi Fagan-Walcott has been added to the European squad.
511
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Heart of Midlothian's opponents Nordsjaelland are one of the most interesting teams in world football. Spoke to the club's sporting director about their fascinating story, youth identity and the €200m+ of transfer sales over the past decade.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Inside Nordsjaelland: Hearts opponents turned youth development into €200m in sales
Hearts won't face a more interesting club in European football than Nordsjaelland.
021
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Something to do with the mixing. It was explained on a call last night but wasn't fully listening!
000
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Calvin Miller is the only Hearts player to play in every game this season. He is one of Wouter Vrancken's most important players. What is it like to play under the Belgian and have his trust? Enjoyable chat with the winger about the detailed work that takes place during the week.
heartsstandard.co.uk
'He sees everything' - Calvin Miller's inside track on playing for Wouter Vrancken
Calvin Miller is the only player to feature in all 16 Hearts games this season. He speaks to Hearts Standard about playing under Wouter Vrancken.
071
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Ageu is set to replace Blair Spittal in the Hearts European squad. The Brazilian would provide Wouter Vrancken with more midfield options. The first Conference League fixture is on Thursday against Nordsjaelland at Tynecastle Park.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Hearts make decision on Blair Spittal replacement in 23-man European squad
Hearts will make a change to their 23-man squad for the Conference League.
111
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
There was plenty of importance behind Malachi Fagan-Walcott's assist. It was an answer to team-mates' banter, but it was a pass he had struggled with due to injury. Interview with the Hearts centre-back as he explains a key injury decision.
shorturl.at
Malachi Fagan-Walcott reveals Hearts injury decision and importance of pinged assist
Malachi Fagan-Walcott returned after more than two months and impressed for Hearts.
070
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Stephen Kingsley to return to full training at the start of the week. His absence explained, praise for Josh McPake and no Euro squad decision yet. Wouter Vrancken after the game ⤵️
heartsstandard.co.uk
Kingsley absence explained, Hearts wait on Euro decision, Vrancken's McPake praise
Wouter Vrancken spoke after Heart of Midlothian's 5-0 win over St Mirren.
131
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Heart of Midlothian Football Club. The perfect return from the international break. And the perfect start to a hectic period. Biggest home win since April 2023. Plenty of impressive performers: Altena, Fagan-Walcott, Braga and McPake. And a fiery Wouter Vrancken. A fine afternoon in Gorgie.
heartsstandard.co.uk
How Hearts' return was perfect with thrashing of St Mirren as individuals shine
Hearts hammered St Mirren 5-0 at Tynecastle Park with a fine performance on their return from the international break.
1121
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Buzzing to get back to Tynecastle Park this afternoon. Been far too long and it could be a very entertaining game against a new-look St Mirren side. A few decisions to be made ahead of a busy period, but I reckon it could be something like... www.heartsstandard.co.uk/news/2662337...
051
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Does Stephen Kingsley still consider himself a left-back? Not as much as he did when he was younger. Interview with the Hearts defender on his position, upcoming rotation and squad competition.
shorturl.at
Stephen Kingsley discusses Hearts positon question, competition and rotation
Stephen Kingsley is an important member of Wouter Vrancken's squad and provides versatility.
020
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
What are some of the differences for Hearts under Wouter Vrancken compared to last season? @craigcairns.bsky.social looks at key changes and why the Belgian was tasked with building on the foundations laid last season.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Why Hearts tasked Wouter Vrancken with building on foundations laid by Derek McInnes
The Belgian has brought a more enterprising style of play than that of his predecessor.
020
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
💬 "You see his qualities, especially on the ball." Exclusive: Wouter Vrancken revealed Hearts first-team plans for Jaedon Donkor after last week's bounce game appearance.
heartsstandard.co.uk
The Hearts first-team plan for Jaedon Donkor and bounce game assessment
Hearts got the benefit of a bounce game last week ahead of returning to action this weekend.
040
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Andy Halliday started the game where Josh McPake made his one and only appearance for Rangers. Seven years later, he is delighted to see the winger make so much progress and is one of his favourite players to watch
heartsstandard.co.uk
Hearts derby hero and ex-Josh McPake team-mate reveals why he loves watching him
Josh McPake was one of the few positives from Scotland's defeat to Slovenia.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Sabri Guendouz is someone who could become a key figure within the Hearts team. For the man who sold him to Hearts, Sabri has "so much potential" as long as he continues to improve his efficiency. Insight into the player's development and journey to get him to Tynecastle.
heartsstandard.co.uk
I sold Sabri Guendouz to Hearts and he is a player who has 'so much potential'
Sabri Guendouz was one of Hearts' exciting summer additions. We find out more about his career.
030
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Thomas Flogel still retains a strong affection for Heart of Midlothian. So much so his background picture on his phone is a Hearts top. Great to chat to him about being at the Allianz Stadion to see Hearts beat Rapid, coming back for Big Hearts and Tennent's 6s and what he likes about Vrancken.
heartsstandard.co.uk
How much Thomas Flogel enjoyed Hearts win in Vienna and why he likes Wouter Vrancken
Thomas Flogel was back in Edinburgh over the weekend as he returned for the Tennent's Sixes.
040
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Hearts are set to replace Blair Spittal in the European squad. Wouter Vrancken confirmed to @heartsstandard.bsky.social that one of Ageu and Malachi Fagan-Walcott is likely to replace him.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Hearts to replace Blair Spittal in European squad with two players considered
Hearts are set to make a change to their 23-man Conference League squad.
130
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A really exciting period coming up for Heart of Midlothian with nine games in three competitions across 30 days starting on Saturday. @craigcairns.bsky.social looked at some of the key topics ahead of the return, including what would be deemed a success from those nine games:
heartsstandard.co.uk
What should Hearts' aim be with 9 games across 30 days and who will emerge?
Hearts are back in action this weekend after a long international break and it is set to be a big nine games coming up.
030
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben were a couple of key additions as Hearts rebuilt ahead of the 2014/15 season. Was great to chat with the pair yesterday about their partnership, joining Hearts and Robbie Neilson on their importance.
onlrl.co
The Gomis-Buaben Hearts partnership: 'Dream team', telepathy, transfer pitch
Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben rekindled a special midfield partnership at Hearts.
041
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It has been 100 days since Wouter Vrancken was appointed Heart of Midlothian head coach. And he is "really loving it" at the club. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on his time in charge, progress, areas to improve and a reference point.
onlrl.co
100 days of Wouter Vrancken: Life at Hearts, player praise, what he wants to improve
Wouter Vrancken has packed plenty into his 100 days as Hearts head coach. He reflects on his time at Tynecaslte Park so far.
032
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
2️⃣2️⃣ players ⚽ 4-3 win 🏰 Fortress Oriam 🤝 Fagan-Walcott returns 👀 Kabashi and Donkor feature How Hearts fared and who scored in bounce game against Dundee
onlrl.co
Hearts use 22 players in Dundee bounce game as Ageu nets and star returns in 4-3 win
Hearts played Dundee in a bounce game at the Oriam with a number of first-team players getting game time.
051
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hearts aim to combat goals conceded from passes in behind. 🗣️ Vrancken: "We don't want to be on the back foot when we don't have the ball." A piece looking at the pattern with @craigcairns.bsky.social and insight from Wouter Vrancken.
heartsstandard.co.uk
The Hearts defensive focus to combat conceded goals pattern and not changing style
Insight into how Hearts are looking to combat conceding from balls played in behind.
011
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This is not me coming across as a prick, but read my tweet again... I specifically added a few words to ensure people don't think he's died! 😅
130
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Rudi Skacel warmed up for his Hearts return this weekend in the Tennent's Sixes by scoring in a farewell game for Milan Baros, who has retired. He is one of nine in Gary Locke's squad. A chat with the Hearts boss for the tournament on squad building, Flogel and Rudi.
onlrl.co
Behind the Hearts prep for Tennent's Sixes with Skacel tactic and Flogel fitness
Hearts have a nine-man squad under Gary Locke for the return of the Tennent's Sixes this weekend.
122
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Sabri Guendouz has not started a league game for Hearts yet. But Wouter Vrancken has been encouraged by his development and what's required of him. The Hearts head coach also talked Amadou Ba-Sy position and Stuart Findlay.
onlrl.co
Why Sabri Guendouz has impressed and Wouter Vrancken on Amadou Ba-Sy & Stuart Findlay
Sabri Guendouz has made progress as he continues to adapt to the demands of the Hearts coaching staff.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Malachi Fagan-Walcott will return for Hearts in this week's bounce game. Oisin McEntee won't feature but should return after the break. Wouter Vrancken spoke about getting both back ⤵️
onlrl.co
Hearts plans for bounce game, injury update and Malachi Fagan-Walcott boost
Hearts will use this week's bounce game to give minutes to first-team players.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Landry Kabore and MJ Kamson-Kamara were late subs for Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone last night in AFCON qualification. Hearts players to keep an eye on today: Aron Benjaminsen - Moldova v Faroes Rogers Mato - Uganda v Libya Josh McPake - Scotland v Switzerland Sabah Kerjota - San Marino v Albania
022
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Simply down the striker pecking order. The club tried to move him on during the summer but nothing materialised. And, yeah, still trains with the first team and is, from everything I've heard and seen, a very good team-mate.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Hearts have a bounce game arranged for later this week as the first team returns from some days off. Opportunity for game time for some key players.
onlrl.co
Hearts behind-closed-doors game arranged as first team return and game time aim
Hearts will continue their work during the international break, including a bounce game this week.
121
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
How have Hearts summer signings fared so far this season? A look at 10 of the recruits. It has understandably been a mixed bag, with some becoming key players immediately, others showing potential and some with a lot to do.
onlrl.co
How 10 Hearts summer signings have fared: Who has surprised and who has more to offer
Hearts had a busy summer transfer window, but how have the new signings fared since joining the club?
020
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
His goals from last night…
021
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Fresh from scoring twice for the Faroe Islands 21s, Aron Benjaminsen has earned a call-up to the national team. He won't be available for today's Nations League fixture against Kazakhstan, but he could make his debut in one of the other three games.
onlrl.co
Aron Benjaminsen earns first Faroe Islands call-up after Hearts star nets double
Aron Benjaminsen has been called up for the Faroe Islands national team.
192
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Rogers Mato is in the Uganda XI for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Tunisia. It will be his 42nd cap. For the time being, he'll have double the number of caps than the rest of the current Hearts squad combined. Still just 22.
heartsstandard.co.uk
The 8 Hearts players on international duty and when they are in action
Hearts have a number of players on international duty across the next couple of weeks.
173
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
James Wilson is heading back to Scotland to play for the 21s. Still considered part of the national team and could join back up with Pocognoli's squad.
onlrl.co
Hearts striker James Wilson leaves Scotland squad to play for under-21 side
Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson will leave the Scotland squad to join the under-21 set-up.
041
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Detailed breakdown from @craigcairns.bsky.social on why Hearts haven't entered the free-agent market, examining all the factors at play.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Why Hearts have not turned to free agent market to solve injury issues
Wouter Vrancken has been short of numbers in midfield and defence.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A really positive night for Hearts at Kelty. Leart Kabashi played for the first time and in the No.10 role, while Jaedon Donkor netted a hat-trick continue to impress. More to come on both @heartsstandard.bsky.social
heartsstandard.co.uk
How Hearts B took big step in KDM Trophy with hat-trick hero and new signing
Hearts B defeated Kelty Hearts 5-3 in the KDM Evolution Trophy. Angus Blacklock was at New Central Park.
082
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
How Hearts and Wouter Vrancken will utilise the lengthy international break with a bounce game planned for next week.
onlrl.co
The Hearts plan for international break outlined - Volume, bounce game, time off
Hearts will look to take advantage of the lengthy international break ahead of a hectic schedule.
021
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Reflections on the first 15 games of the season going into the international break. Ups and downs, mixed emotions, injuries and inconsistency, but progress and potential.
onlrl.co
How first 15 games have left Hearts with mixed emotions after rollercoaster start
Hearts head into the international break in a positive position with plenty of potential but there is a feeling it could have been even better.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Hearts will seek clarification from the SFA regarding the disallowed goal at Kilmarnock.
onlrl.co
Hearts to seek SFA clarification over disallowed goal in draw with Kilmarnock
Hearts thought they had taken the lead at Rugby Park on Saturday only for the goal to be ruled out.
130
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Wouter Vrancken called the decision to rule out the Hearts goal early on "strange" and is keen to hear the "SFA explanation". He also explained why he replaced Stuart Findlay in the first half: "Because it was not good enough, especially when we got the ball."
onlrl.co
Why Hearts are unhappy with disallowed goal and the Stuart Findlay sub explained
Wouter Vrancken expressed his bemusement around the Hearts disallowed goal at Kilmarnock.
030
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A very frustrating evening at Rugby Park for Hearts. Created more than enough to win. Profligate in front of goal and still giving up cheap goals at the other end. Ageu a welcome return in the midfield and a big call from Vrancken with Findlay.
onlrl.co
Why Ageu was a welcome return for Hearts, a frustrating result and a big call
Hearts left it late to equalise at Rugby Park to earn a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock. Joel Sked reflects.
152
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Need a lie down after trying to predict what the Hearts XI could be today. A lot revolves around Harry Milne and Claudio Braga. Tomas Magnusson will likely be back in and almost certain Stephen Kingsley starts, but unsure if it was be LB, LCB or RCB!
onlrl.co
Why the Hearts line-up decision isn't straightforward and two big questions
Hearts face Kilmarnock in the final fixture before the international break.
020
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
🇦🇱 Sabah Kerjota has earned his first call-up for the Albania national team. Albania boss Rolando Maran watched him at Tynecastle Park v St Johnstone. Looked at Kerjota’s journey from Albania to the Italian lower leagues to Hearts recently.
heartsstandard.co.uk
Inside Sabah Kerjota's journey to Hearts star: Bargain fee, Italy step, big potential
The Albanian is emerging as a key attacking figure for Hearts, whether it is from the start or off the bench.
120
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Scotland became something Calvin Miller started to think about once he moved to Hearts. The winger speaks to @heartsstandard.bsky.social about how his view changed, his disappointment at missing out on a call-up and changing the manager's mind.
onlrl.co
How Calvin Miller's Scotland view changed with Hearts move and reaction to no call-up
The attacker was a surprise non-inclusion in the Scotland national team squad.
010
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
If Wouter Vrancken were picking the Scotland squad, Calvin Miller would be his first pick from Hearts. He explained why he is a huge fan, plus his key reflection on Falkirk loss and the "amazing" Hearts support going to Killie.
onlrl.co
Why Calvin Miller would have been Wouter Vrancken's first Hearts pick for Scotland
The Belgian head coach spoke on Calvin Miller and looked ahead to the Kilmarnock fixture.
020
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ageu is in contention for a Hearts return as Wouter Vrancken spoke about what he likes about the Brazilian and the midfield role he could play. Plus updates on Magnusson, McEntee and Fagan-Walcott.
onlrl.co
Ageu is contention for Hearts return as Wouter Vrancken gives update on trio
Hearts face Kilmarnock on Saturday at Rugby Park. Wouter Vrancken could have players back.
061
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A first defeat in 10 games is disappointing for Hearts. But more disappointing was the manner of the defeat. A look at what can be learned from some of the concerns that materialised, from a surprise target to Braga's role.
onlrl.co
The three Hearts concerns shown in first loss in 10 games and the Braga question
Hearts fell to a first defeat in 10 games on Tuesday night. There were aspects that Wouter Vrancken will have learned from.
051
Reposted by Joel Sked
Hearts Standard @heartsstandard.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A man has been arrested and charged in connection with an assault at Celtic v Hearts at the end of last season. Hearts Standard understands the alleged assault was on a Hearts player, with further investigations continuing.
onlrl.co
Arrest made after assualt on Hearts player in final game of the season at Celtic park
An arrest has been made for an alleged assault during the Celtic v Hearts fixture.
064
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Josh McPake has two goals and eight assists since breaking into the Hearts team. A Scotland call-up was the latest in a "mad" journey for the winger who was "buzzing" when he got the call from Sebastien Pocognoli. @craigcairns.bsky.social ✍️
heartsstandard.co.uk
Josh McPake's 'mad few years', the Scotland call and 8 goal contributions at Hearts
The 25-year-old winger was this week called up for his country for the first time.
060
Joel Sked @sked21.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Wouter Vrancken's assessment on Hearts defeat: 'Poor performance, simple', too many players 'under level', he saw 'panic' and 'not good enough'. Also explained Williams for Wilson sub and that it's too early judge McEntee and Magnusson readiness for Saturday.
onlrl.co
Wouter Vrancken reveals why Hearts were 'not good enough', HT sub and injury latest
Wouter Vrancken was honest in his assessment as Hearts fell to a 2-1 loss to Falkirk.
120