Hearts’ entire season hinges on the next few weeks. It’s make or break. The January window could be the gateway back to Europe if they get it right. Get it wrong and that door will slam shut.
But if Neil Critchley was to secure a fourth successive season in Europe then I reckon it would be an even bigger accomplishment than Steven Naismith finishing third last season.
You look at everything he’s had to deal with – where Hearts were sitting when he took over, the scrutiny on him as he’s tried to implement his style, the backlash to not qualifying for the Conference League play-offs – it would be a huge achievement if he secured another crack at Europe through the league or Scottish Cup.
But the next few weeks are massive if he is to do that. Winning their last two games is a huge boost and has moved them right up the form table. But right now that’s just a sticking plaster covering massive holes in the squad.
Critchley must have gone through December thinking if he doesn’t get bodies in during the first week of January he could be in serious trouble. They’ve done that with two signings that have galvanised the squad and also shown the fans that they are on the ball. But they need more.
It’s not just the manager who should be under scrutiny though, this is a huge window for new sporting director Graeme Jones to show his worth. The jury is out on the whole recruitment process. Supercomputer or no supercomputer.
And if I was manager right now I’d be targeting players that I know and can trust because if they don’t sign well it won’t be Jones losing his job – it will be Critchley. I’d sure as hell not be putting my fate in someone else’s hands.
The manager would have taken the job hoping he not only gets the January window but the summer one too because that’s the easier one where you have time to identify and speak to players. This window is over-inflated.
But they’ve made a positive start. Bringing in Jamie McCart at centre half looks a good move. He has proved himself in this league with St Johnstone. When Frankie Kent comes back from injury – and what a massive miss he is – then those two could hopefully form a right good partnership.
The one thing I’d question is the four-and-a-half year deal given to McCart who will turn 28 in the summer. Who has made that decision? That’s a big, big outlay. Even in my day you were doing great if you got three years.
It does look like Kye Rowles will move on this month so another central defender is still a priority. Rowles started well at Tynecastle when he arrived in 2022 but recently I always feel like there’s a mistake in him and he’s a bit uncomfortable to watch. He also misses a lot of big opportunities at the other end from headers.
Saying all that though, Rowles is an Australia international and I’d be looking for a decent fee before offloading – maybe £600,000 would be about right. If Hearts need another defender then they absolutely need another striker and wide man.
They’ve brought in Elton Kabangu but only time will tell if he is the answer and they need another frontman regardless. More than that Hearts need something dynamic out wide. It’s just too one paced at the moment and they too often go back the way.
I’d love to see the Alan Forrest of old, taking players on and getting crosses in the box. He’s just not doing that any more. Whether it’s confidence I’m not sure but they badly need more product in the wide areas. Other than James Penrice there’s been nowhere near enough.
So there’s four or five signings needed in total in January. It’s a big job. But it’s absolutely required. Out the way I’d say ‘thanks and see you later’ to Barrie McKay and Yutaro Oda if offers came in. Both have dropped right out of the equation under Critchley.
Two years ago we were sitting singing McKay’s praises after his form in Gorgie was rewarded with a Scotland call-up. I thought that could be the turning point in his career. Every player has that point where it swings one way or the other and Barrie needed a positive swing after he had enjoyed good starts at Rangers and down south before fading away. But the exact same thing has happened at Tynecastle. It’s a shame because on his game he is a fantastic player. But he’s just not produced enough for Hearts over the course.
You can’t say that of Liam Boyce. The big Irishman looks to be heading back across the water to Derry City and he can leave with his head held high. Injury has had a massive impact on Boyce but when he’s been fit he has done really well.
His goals were massive in coming back up from the Championship then again securing third the next season. Then the first of those big injuries hit. But he’s been a huge influence especially on the younger boys coming through. It’s a big wage freed up and will allow Critchley room to bring in a younger, fresher replacement.
As I said, there’s another three needed. You don’t need a supercomputer to work that out.