‘You have to take your chances’ – Hearts player reflects on transfer and derby demands

Stephen Kingsley’s arrival at Heart of Midlothian has proven to be one of the club’s smartest pieces of business in recent years. Signed as a free agent during a period of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the defender joined Hearts while the club were still competing in the Scottish Championship. At the time, Robbie Neilson moved quickly to secure Kingsley following his departure from Hull City — a decision that has since paid off handsomely.

Stephen Kingsley continues to be a key part of the Hearts squad. (Image: Stuart Wallace / Shutterstock)

Nearly five years on, Kingsley has established himself as a cornerstone of the squad. With 175 appearances to his name, the 31-year-old now sits second on Hearts’ current appearance list, trailing only Craig Gordon and ranking ahead of players such as Cammy Devlin and Craig Halkett. His durability and adaptability have made him invaluable, whether deployed at left-back, centre-back, right-back or as a wing-back.

Speaking earlier this week at the Oriam training centre ahead of the latest Edinburgh derby, Kingsley was asked to reflect on his move to Gorgie. With hindsight, he suggested the transfer felt almost destined.

Looking back, Kingsley described the period surrounding his arrival as one filled with uncertainty. He was returning to Scotland, becoming a father for the first time, and stepping into a new chapter with Hearts after a disrupted spell in England. For him, the move reignited his passion for the game.

He explained that the combination of personal milestones and the opportunity to rediscover his enjoyment of football made the transition incredibly meaningful. The defender admitted that at the time, there were many unknowns, but things ultimately unfolded as they were supposed to. From the moment he walked through the door at Hearts, he felt a strong sense of belonging — a feeling that has only grown stronger over nearly six seasons.

Few players in the current Hearts squad understand the significance of the Edinburgh derby quite like Kingsley. Even fewer can boast such an impressive record in the fixture. In 11 appearances against Hibernian, he has suffered just a single defeat, while also contributing two goals.

One of those strikes remains etched into club folklore — a stunning effort during a Scottish Cup semi-final victory at Hampden Park. That goal, scored in front of a packed national stadium, followed his first taste of the derby, which came in the unusual setting of an empty Hampden due to pandemic restrictions.

Kingsley reflected fondly on those experiences, noting that his encounters with Hibs have produced some of the most memorable moments of his career. While not every occasion has been positive, he feels fortunate to have played a key role in so many significant clashes.

He stressed that the derby transcends the usual importance of a league match. While three points are technically all that is at stake, everyone involved understands that the fixture carries far greater emotional weight. From the build-up in the days leading to kick-off to the journey to the stadium and the walk through the tunnel, every detail reinforces the magnitude of the occasion.

Kingsley also pointed out that the timing of recent derbies — often falling around the same point in the season — has only heightened their importance. With stakes increasing year on year, he believes the anticipation surrounding the fixture is something the entire squad embraces.

Although Hearts endured a difficult run in the derby last season, Kingsley views the upcoming match as a chance to correct past mistakes. Having already won the first meeting of the current campaign, he sees this encounter as an opportunity to restore pride and momentum.

The defender has experienced the derby under several different managers, each with their own approach to preparation. However, in his view, the significance of the fixture does not require heavy-handed motivation from the coaching staff.

He believes that the importance of the game is ingrained within the club. Players are constantly surrounded by reminders of what the derby means — to the fans, to the city, and to the club’s identity. For Kingsley, tapping into that shared understanding is essential.

He emphasised that players must appreciate the emotional significance of the contest, particularly when playing at Easter Road. While it should not overwhelm them, it must be acknowledged and embraced. Understanding what is at stake, he said, is crucial to delivering the right performance on the day.

Kingsley recalled several special moments at Easter Road, victories that stand out for their intensity and emotion. Those experiences, he said, underline why the fixture remains one of the most exciting in Scottish football.

Winning away in a derby brings an added sense of exhilaration — one stand of visiting supporters pitted against the rest of the stadium. Kingsley noted that this dynamic is especially unique in Edinburgh, contrasting it with other rivalries across the country.

Kingsley celebrates scoring against Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. (Image: Ian MacNicol)

He pointed to Hearts’ dramatic victory at Easter Road on December 27 two years ago, when Lawrence Shankland scored a stoppage-time winner that sent the away end into raptures. For Kingsley, moments like that remain unforgettable.

He described the visual and auditory spectacle of the derby: the walkout music, pyrotechnics, and the sight of the Hearts supporters gathered together in a single stand. That atmosphere, he believes, sets the Edinburgh derby apart from others he has experienced in his career.

While acknowledging the hostility that comes with playing at Easter Road, Kingsley insisted it is something players expect and accept. He noted that Hearts have already shown this season they can thrive in intimidating environments, having recorded victories at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.

For players set to experience their first derby at Easter Road, Kingsley expressed confidence rather than concern. He believes the current squad has demonstrated a mentality that embraces big occasions rather than shrinking from them.

According to Kingsley, the noise, intensity and sell-out crowd will likely excite rather than intimidate those new to the fixture. He expects the younger or less experienced players to rise to the challenge, supported by the core group who have been at the club for several seasons.

That experienced spine, he said, plays a vital role in guiding teammates through emotionally charged matches. Their presence helps ensure focus remains sharp and energy is channelled in the right direction.

Kingsley praised the attitude and application of recent arrivals, suggesting they have already shown they can handle pressure. Based on Hearts’ performances in major matches this season, he sees no reason why the derby should be any different.

As for the match itself, Kingsley acknowledged its significance for both sides. Hibs will be desperate to revive their season and disrupt Hearts’ ambitions, while Hearts view the fixture as a chance to reinforce their status as genuine Premiership contenders.

Ultimately, Kingsley distilled the derby down to its simplest truth. He explained that Edinburgh derbies are rarely about flowing football or technical brilliance. Instead, they are chaotic, intense, and played at relentless speed.

In such conditions, he believes the outcome usually comes down to moments. The team that remains composed when chances arise — and takes them — is the one that tends to prevail. In the end, results matter more than aesthetics, and efficiency in front of goal often proves decisive.

For Kingsley and Hearts, the message is clear: embrace the occasion, withstand the hostility, and make the moments count.