Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay admits Robbie Neilson 's side have faced a European "learning curve" this season - but wants the campaign to be the first on many.
After dropping into the Europa Conference League after Europa League playoff defeat to FC Zurich, the Scottish Premiership side have found it tough suffering heavy defeats to Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina at Tynecastle before the Serie A giants dished out a 5-1 thumping in Florence to the Jambos. Hearts must win against Rigas on matchday five of the Conference League to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.
Despite some disappointing results, the Hearts support have turned out in numbers for the fixtures and McKinlay was keen to recognise their backing for the club. He confesses there has been challenges in dealing with the fixture calendar but hopes to be back on the European stage next term.
His statement read: "On behalf of everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club, I would like to thank our supporters for travelling to Italy for Thursday’s Europa Conference League match with Fiorentina. The streets of Florence were lined with Hearts fans and every single piece of feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.
"You travelled in your thousands and did our club, and yourselves, proud. Nearly 4,000 Jambos attended the Stadio Artemio Franchi and the backing from first whistle to last was sensational.
"I am in no doubt that part of the reason for the uplift in the second half performance was down to the support from the stands so, once again, I thank you. Your support truly is appreciated, everywhere we go.
"This period has been a learning curve for everyone at the club and we continue to gain invaluable experience, which we hope to put to good use by once again qualifying for Europe. We were always under no illusions that playing on two fronts - European and domestic, with such a tight turnaround between matches - was going to be anything other than challenging.
"What hasn’t helped our cause has been injuries and suspensions, however, we are confident that once these situations resolve themselves we will once again get firing on all cylinders. More than 1,100 Hearts fans will make the trip north to Aberdeen tomorrow, which is no mean feat considering the games have been coming thick and fast.
"To those making the journey, again, I thank you. Pittodrie is always a tough place to go but I’ve no doubt that the same level of support from the stands can drive the team on in search of three points."
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