On July 18 2014, Hearts took on Manchester City at Tynecastle.
The Citizens were coming in off the back of a Premier League title win, their second in three seasons. As part of their prepartaions for the title defence, they traveled to Gorgie to take on Hearts.
The Jambos had just been relegated to the Championship after administration and were looking forward to a new dawn under Robbie Neilson.
Manchester City walked away with a 2-1 win but it was a pleasing performance against a big name from Hearts.
Who all started for the Jambos that night and where are they now?
GK- Neil Alexander-retired
Alexander was coming into the twilight years of his career at this stage. He joined the Jambos in 2014 and went on to make 64 apperances for the club.
He’s now the goalkeeper coach at Dundee United after ending his career with Livingston in 2018.
RB- Callum Patterson- Cardiff City
One of two players to play 90 minutes against City, the versatile Scotland international is a product of the Hearts academy. After a fruitful spell with the Jambos, he left for Cardiff City.
He was a Premier League player up until last year when the Bluebirds were relegated.
CB- Alim Ozturk- Sunderland
Ozturk was a solid defender for the Jambos. He would spend three years in Gorgie before a move back to his homeland with Boluspor.
The defender is currently plying his trade with League One side Sunderland.
LB- Kevin McHattie- Inverness CT
Another full-back who completed the full match against City, McHattie had a tough night up against the likes of Jesus Navas. It was good experience for the young full-back though.
Since leaving Tynecastle the left-back has been with Kilmarnock, Raith Rovers and Derry City. He’s currently with Inverness CT.
RM- Jamie Walker- Hearts
The only player to still be at the club, Walker made his Gorgie return this summer, following a disappointing spell with Wigan.
Walker would go on to be a big player for Hearts during this season. He scored 11 and assisted the same amount as the Jambos romped to the Championship crown.
CM- Morgaro Gomis- Falkirk
The midfielder arrived at Hearts in the summer of 2014 to provide experience that would see them get back to the Premiership. Gomis did his job in the second tier but wasn’t able to replicate that same type of play in the top flight.
He’s now with Falkirk in League One.
CM- Prince Buaben- free agent
You can’t have Gomis without Buaben. The midfielder made 112 Hearts appearances during his time with the club.
Buaben’s been a free agent since January 3 of this year according to Transfermarkt.
LM- Sam Nicholson- Colorado Rapids
The left winger starred for Hearts during his time at the club. Searing pace and decent dribbling ability made Nicholson an exciting watch when he pulled on a maroon jersey.
He’s currently playing in the MLS with Colorado Rapids.
ST- Dale Carrick- Airdrieonians
Carrick didn’t exactly set the world alight whilst in Gorgie. In 45 appearances the former Scotland youth international scored eight times.
He’s now with Airdrieonians in League One.
ST- Osman Sow- Dundee United
Sow enjoyed a decent spell in maroon. It earned him a move to England with MK Dons.
It didn’t work out though and the Swedish frontman has never been able to capture his Gorgie form elsewhere. He’s now struggling for a start at Dundee United under former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson.