Andrew McKinlay has been talking about a potential Hearts challenge to the Old Firm in years to come, and not for the first time.
We’ve heard this from the Tynecastle chief executive before when they were flying miles ahead in third under Robbie Neilson and then again under Steven Naismith. The difference now is that they are bottom of the Scottish Premiership with no wins and just two points.
Of course, the introduction of data analytics and Brighton’s method for unearthing gems in the transfer market could well elevate them to another level. But the noises from fans since McKinlay’s comments have been that they don’t really want to hear it just now.
He told how he is excited by the introduction of the analytics and how he feels it could help Hearts challenge Celtic and Rangers for the title. But the general feeling is that there is a short-term job to do and that is to ensure the team moves away from the bottom of the table and potential relegation trouble.
Ryan Stevenson: ‘Hearts boasts should be put on hold’
Ryan Stevenson shares that view. The former Jambos midfielder has found the CEO’s chat cringey and wants the full focus for now to be on arresting the slide.
He said in the Daily Record: “Predicting challenges to the Old Firm in years to come is great – if you’re sitting where Aberdeen are right now. But the reality is that Hearts are heading in one direction as things stand. And that’s back to the Championship.
“I read Andrew McKinlay’s latest boasts about hoping the new analytics tool at Tynecastle moving them to a level where they might be able to make a title tilt. And I have to say it made me cringe. It’s as if the chief executive doesn’t realise the severity of the situation right now.
“Listen, what Brighton have done with data and analytics is brilliant. But you can’t be talking about splitting the Old Firm somewhere down the line when right now we have two points from eight league games.
“McKinlay and his board should have full focus on making sure they get the next managerial appointment bang on after sacking Steven Naismith. If they don’t then no supercomputer in the world will have them near Celtic or Rangers.”
Tony Bloom and analytics can be Hearts game changer
Stevenson was at pains to point out that he is by no means against the move towards data. Having spoken to Lee McCulloch, who does scouting work for Brighton, he actually thinks it COULD be a game changer.
It’s just that he feels the club’s energy right now should all be on getting the right manager in and the team moving in the right direction.
He added: “So I agree with McKinlay that it might – might – be a game changer. But there’s far more important things to get in place first and it starts with employing the right manager.
“Someone who identifies with the club, recognises the DNA of Hearts, who identifies with the playing staff and can build connections with everyone behind the scenes. It’s not about the computer. The most important thing will always be the person in charge.
“Hearts need to have someone in position for the start of the week. Ideally before then. Give them a full week to work with the players before St Mirren arrive at Tynecastle for the next game after the break. They absolutely need to hit the ground running because the block of games between now and January is massive.”
Hearts ‘will struggle to make top six’
While the long term aim may be to try and trouble the top two, Hearts’ league targets are always to finish third. Stevo reckons that is beyond them now and that they may even toil for top six.
“To be honest, Hearts won’t finish third now,” he admitted. “I think they will struggle to get top six. But they have to make sure they don’t end up in a relegation battle. The squad is what it is until January and then they need to strengthen halfway through the season.
“That’s just bad business because it’s an over-inflated market. Clubs will know Hearts are desperate so will bump up prices. Likewise the players will be able to demand higher wages.”