Former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan believes the Edinburgh club's primary focus for the 2026-27 season should be securing and maintaining a position in the Scottish Premiership's top three. Last season, Hearts narrowly missed out on the league title, finishing as runners-up to Celtic after a final-day loss at Celtic Park, yet they finished a significant eight points ahead of Rangers.

McGowan emphasized the importance of establishing a consistent gap between Hearts and the teams below them, such as fourth and fifth placed clubs. This would allow the club to secure European qualification, generate revenue, and build a stronger squad. He stated that establishing this gap is crucial for the club and its fans.

Finishing second was Hearts' best league performance in two decades, and they are set to compete in the Champions League qualifiers. McGowan noted that while the team was close to winning the league last year, the focus should now be on extending their lead over rivals and gradually closing the gap on the Glasgow clubs, with the ultimate goal of challenging for the title within the next decade, as envisioned by investor Tony Bloom. He concluded that Hearts are on the correct trajectory.