But belief is growing that they can really trouble the Old Firm from Glasgow this season.
A fabulous weekend for the [Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/?ref=au) chairman included a win for Hearts followed by defeat for Celtic.
Hearts are now five points clear although team boss Derek McInnes is keen to point out they have only played eight games.
Albion chairman Bloom now has a 29% stake in Hearts and his arrival has coincided with tough times for Rangers and Celtic.
McInnes believes Hearts are “annoying people” and said: “I think from the outset Tony Bloom’s influence obviously gave everyone so much encouragement.
“There is obviously a real body of work there, a lot of positivity that we are working with good ideas.”
The Bloom connection has also seen Hearts tap into the work of data company Jamestown Analytics.
McInnes said: “Jamestown has worked with other clubs and he (Bloom) sees no reason why it can’t work with us.
“The short term, the middle term and the longer term is to try and make sure we keep progressing.
“Ten million (pounds) isn’t going to bridge the gap to Rangers and Celtic.
“Ten million in investment was well received and it’s right across the whole business over a period of a few years.
“It’s not that that is going to bridge the gap. It’s the knowledge, the analytics. It’s the recruitment.
“It’s the expertise in that field that we feel, and the club feels and Tony feels, that’s what is going to bridge the gap. Not the money.
“We have spent just over £2 million putting this squad together
“Our nett spend is only a couple of hundred thousand at the minute.
“It’s not like we are suddenly awash with millions and millions of pounds to spend.
“But it’s the expertise in that department that has given everyone the encouragement and the confidence that we can continue to improve.”
McInnes said Bloom’s confidence has been infectious at Tynecastle.
He added: “I think what he said, in context, was that he felt within ten years Hearts would have a squad that could challenge to win titles. He firmly believed that.
“I think a lot of people can maybe say that, a lot of people can maybe believe that.
“But I think, when it comes from someone like him and the body of work he has done previously, there’s a wee bit more weight behind it, a bit more gravitas with that.
“There is a bit more evidence there that we are working with people who have full confidence in what they are doing.
“We have had a strong start. The season is still in its infancy.”
Hearts can take real control of the title race – or be reeled in – when they face Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday (midday).
Meanwhile, Bloom’s Belgian interest Union St Gilloise beat Charleroi to remain three points clear and now focus on a huge night in the Champions League against Inter.
Bloom saw his Albion side beat Newcastle on Saturday and also had a winner on Ascot’s big day of racing with Crown Of Oaks.