Cowdenbeath v Hearts

It will be a meeting of old friends on Tuesday (12th July) night when Cowdenbeath host a Hearts XI at Central Park in a pre-season friendly.

The two proud clubs’ will be forever linked due to Craig Levein and the association was further strengthened this summer after former Hearts and Scotland legend Colin Cameron was appointed manager of Cowdenbeath. ‘Mickey’ played over 150 games for the Jambo’s, many as club captain, and famously scored against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final as Hearts lifted the trophy for the first time since 1956.

Cameron is assisted by another former Tynecastle midfield maestro in Lee Makel, a neighbour of current Hearts boss Jim Jefferies, who was also part of the Hearts team that won the Scottish Cup in 1998.

Levein began his career with the Blue Brazil as a raw teenager in 1981 before moving onto Hearts two years later. The cultured centre half spent 14 years at Tynecastle and also represented Scotland on 16 occasions.

Leven returned to Central Park in 1997 as manager and another successful spell in Fife earned a return to Gorgie, this time in the hot seat. International recognition once again followed when Levein was appointed Scotland coach in December 2009.

The mutually-beneficial association has continued over the years with players such as Craig Gordon and Robbie Neilson learning their trade at CP during loan spells before embarking on successful careers with Hearts.

Cameron is looking forward to seeing his young side tested against a strong Hearts team as he continues his preparations for a promotion push in the new season ahead.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm with gate prices set as follows:

Adult: £10
OAP/Under 16: £5
Family (adult & 1 under 16): £11
Family (adult & 2 under 16s): £12

Meanwhile, another fixture has been added to the pre-season programme with the team scheduled to face Burntisland Shipyard away in a Fife Cup semi-final tie on Tuesday 2nd August - kick off 7pm.