Hearts have finally confirmed their partnership with Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics.
The Jambos have long been in talks with the Brighton owner for use of his data analytics company as well as reportedly some investment in the club by the businessman.
The news first emerged months ago but the Tynecastle club have now confirmed the partnership.
The world-leading data firm already lend their expertise to the Seagulls as well as Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, in whom Bloom holds a stake, and Italians Como.
Hearts will become the exclusive beneficiaries of their data in Scotland.
What Hearts have said on Jamestown Analytics
The confirmation has been a long time coming for Hearts fans excited to see what the data revolution can do for them.
With their squad very much needing improved, they will now be looking to both the January and summer transfer windows to see what magic can be worked.
The club itself is delighted and excited by the partnership also and have already been working towards seeing the fruits of its labour in January.
Tynecastle CEO Andrew McKinlay said on the Hearts website: “There has been a lot of speculation about the coming together of Heart of Midlothian and Jamestown Analytics, so I am pleased that we are now able to officially announce our partnership and get the facts out in the open.
“Jamestown Analytics’ reputation in footballing circles is second to none. It is no understatement when I say that they have made groundbreaking progress with clubs across Europe, so to be Scotland’s sole beneficiaries of their expertise is truly exciting.
“Already our football staff, soon to be under the guidance of Graeme (Jones, sporting director), have been working with the data provided by Jamestown Analytics to plan for recruitment in January, next summer and beyond.
“I fully believe that the club will reap the benefits of embracing this modern, innovative approach to analytics and we couldn’t be prouder to be associated with Jamestown Analytics as we take Hearts into a new era.”
Justin Said, Managing Director of Jamestown Analytics, said: “We are very selective about the clubs we want to work with, and we feel that Hearts is a good fit.
“We are looking forward to working with Graeme and his team and, hopefully, help them to deliver success.”
What transfers do Hearts need in January?
It has already been confirmed that Hearts are looking to sign a striker in January with misfiring Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland in need of some help.
But do they need anything else?
Yes, would be the short answer. The long one would suggest that they should be looking to sign at least one wide man, potentially more, with the team in need of a creative spark and a bit of pace.
Centre back Kye Rowles is reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere and the Jambos could attract a sizeable fee for him, but would also need to enter the market to replace him.
Meanwhile, the likes of Barrie McKay, Liam Boyce and Jorge Grant are out of contract in the summer and could leave in January if there is enough interest.