Hearts defender James Penrice seeks a new experience and a quiet dinner
Against Ross County, a boisterous Tynecastle is essential.
James Penrice is widely regarded by Hearts supporters as their team’s finest summer acquisition to date. The left-back, who was signed as a free agency from Livingston, has consistently delivered performances that don’t align with those of his new squad. Fans are able to ignore the fact that their team is currently bottom of the Premiership standings and focus on Penrice’s relative success in maroon. One of their rare victories this season has been his capture.
Penrice, 25, has the kind of willpower that Hearts much need to struggle out of their current situation. On Saturday, Ross County will be the visitors to Tynecastle Park as Liam Fox, the interim manager, takes the team’s leadership for the first time. Penrice’s name is practically a given to appear on his teamsheet. Fox’s desire for Hearts to attack is in line with the qualities of the full-back.
“I prefer to move up the pitch, participate in assaults, and cross the ball, as you have seen. I’m smitten with any style that facilitates that. I anticipate it going well. Usually you get a manager bounce, but this week the boys have been outstanding,” Penrice said in an exclusive interview with the Edinburgh News.
You’ll discover that Ross County will attempt to make things as difficult as they can. They’ll wish to irritate. They prefer to sit in a low block rather than go there and play ball. For the sake of the fans, we must dismantle them and give them a performance. What matters most is that we succeed.
Hearts have the advantage of being able to control the atmosphere at Tynecastle. Given the club’s league standing and the relative inexperience of a new guy in the dugout, there will undoubtedly be some anxiety in the spectators. Penrice emphasised that we had to seize the initiative and get the legendary ground back to its most boisterous state.
He answered, “Yes, 100 percent.” Even using only our press. Merely bringing down the closest man and gauging the crowd’ response will only serve to intensify the mood. That’s what we must carry out. The basic truth is that we haven’t been good enough, and we are the only ones who can make things better.
“That is the absolute least we should do; it must be 100%. Though I believe it’s the quality after you give it your all, the boys haven’t been going out there not trying. To get a response from the fans, we’re going to give it our all. If the audience realises that we are giving it our all and it’s just that little bit of perfection
Penrice has liked every one of his eight Hearts appearances, despite the ennui. His sole irritation is that the exuberant sense of victory has not yet materialised. On Saturday, he wants to see Tynecastle spring into action during a triumphant home performance before leaving to have some time with his family to ponder a successful workday.
“Even though I have enjoyed every second of being here, the outcomes haven’t lived up to my expectations. “I’ve not relished being beaten,” he said. It’s an improvement over my previous situation. I’ve told myself to just work harder if nothing is working. All I want for are slightly different outcomes.
“The club is fantastic, and I’m hoping the results will improve soon so I can enjoy a wonderful Saturday night with my family and dinner. That’s what I desire for the boys as well as for myself. However, what’s the deal? It’s up to you to go earn the privilege of winning games. Since we haven’t done it yet, perhaps this marks a change in direction.
A victory over Ross County would provide the team with a valuable head start for their Conference League opener against Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan the following week. Three days later, there’s the not-so-small issue of a Premiership visit to Aberdeen. In summary, the Hearts players have what might be a crucial week ahead of them.
The league table is not a very large item. It’s not right now, Penrice emphasised. “There is plenty of time to go and fix it, but it doesn’t read very well if you are seated at the bottom of the table. Saturday is when we want to get going and make the most out of the week—or whatever long Foxy stays in command. These three games are extremely popular. It has to do with recording points on the board.
It will be difficult to leave, but you must be excited for these games as you travel into Europe. I’m excited to go because I’ve never participated in a competition like this, but the league comes first. We have to write points down on the board. Your goal is to increase your confidence as much as you can. “All right, come ahead” is how you want to start this next game. The most crucial day is Saturday. Handle that, then turn your attention to next week.