Hearts coach Robbie Neilson dismisses plane protest

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has urged the fans to put their money towards the Foundation of Hearts rather than waste it on displaying their frustration at him.

The Gorgie outfit moved to within six points of second-placed Aberdeen after Arnaud Djoum's header saw off Partick on Saturday.

Despite being on course for Europa League qualification, one disgruntled supporter took the extreme step of hiring a plane to vent his displeasure at Neilson.

Within seconds of the game kicking off, a plane carrying the message, No style, No Bottle, Neilson Out'' circled the stadium and continued to hover for around 10 minutes.

The Hearts fans inside the ground responded with chants of, There's only one Robbie Neilson''.

Speaking after the game, Neilson said: I didn't see it but I was shown it after the game.

I'd rather people spent their money on the (fans group) Foundation of Hearts instead of wasting their money on me.

It's up to them, they can do what they want. I think we're sitting in a decent position but I'll have to have a look at my gear. Don't waste your money on that, get it into the Foundation.

I was wondering why they were chanting my name. I'd rather they were shouting for the players and giving them some encouragement.''

It was another pleasing afternoon for Neilson as his side racked up a third straight win courtesy of Djoum's effort.

Hearts had chances to add to their lead after the break before the Jags piled on the pressure at the end.

Neilson added: We played all right but I thought we deserved the win. We didn't give up a lot of chances.

It's always difficult if you don't get that second goal. It's three games, three clean sheets and nine points so I'm delighted with that.''

Thistle manager Alan Archibald, whose side take on Aberdeen on Tuesday, said: I felt we could have got something.

It's come down to a set-play which is a major strength for Hearts, and we didn't do our job and switched off.

We weathered the storm in the first 10 minutes and after we came through that period we had a couple of half-chances ourselves and never took them.

It's a different game if we take one of those chances. We haven't scored against them this season and that's what we wanted to do, get that goal and see how they would react.''

On the plane, Archibald added: He's up against it, Robbie, isn't he?

It's ridiculous, be careful what you wish for.''