McInnes thanks Hearts and 'understands frustrations'
· Yahoo Sports
New Rangers manager Derek McInnes can "totally understand the frustration" of Hearts fans over the silence from himself and the club following their title agony.
Hearts left Celtic Park immediately after the 3-1 final-day defeat at Celtic Park where home fans invaded the pitch.
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McInnes, 54, has not spoken publicly since but has now issued a 475-word statement through the Hearts Standard website.
"It's such a special football club and we had such a brilliant season together," said McInnes.
"I'm well aware I haven't spoken since the last game of the season. I totally understand the frustration from fans around the lack of communication, both from myself and the club, considering the manner in which the season ended. The frustration is justifiable.
"Hearts came so close to completing one of the greatest seasons in the club's history. Despite how the season ended, it was still hugely successful and memorable. A record points total, Champions League qualification, three derby wins and so many more highs and memories along the way.
"Unfortunately, the team didn't get what they deserved in the end."
Hearts led the Premiership table by two points going into the final game and were tied at 1-1 with the defending champions at half-time. Two late goals turned the match and title in Celtic's favour.
A couple of games prior, Hearts had been held 1-1 by Motherwell and head of refereeing Willie Collum later admitted McInnes' side should have had a penalty at Fir Park.
"I was so angry and devastated at how it all played out for us after putting so much effort in," McInnes said.
"The decisions that had a huge impact on the outcome were hard to take. Trying to process it all was part of my thinking as to why I didn't speak.
"When I arrived, I said I wanted to make Hearts something. A team that resonated with the supporters and a team that fans were excited to watch on a Saturday, no matter where and when. I believe we achieved that.
"I also wanted to make Tynecastle Park a place fans wanted to come to and a place opposition teams didn't. I felt Tynecastle was even more special than it normally is and I had that feeling every time I walked out the tunnel and into the home dugout. An unbeaten home record was a brilliant achievement."
McInnes thanked players and the club's staff, saying: "I've spoken to every single one of them over the last few days and wish them only well.
"A big thanks to the support I received from the board, particularly Calum Paterson, and also Graeme Jones for a brilliant, strong working relationship.
"And, finally, the Heart of Midlothian support. I felt like one of you. I wish I'd got to Hearts sooner and that my time at the club was more than 12 months. It was only a short time but it was a brilliant time. I wish Hearts only good things going forward."