As it stands, Hearts are in a relegation battle as they keep failing to get themselves out of trouble.
The Jambos sit 11th in the Premiership table ahead of only St Johnstone and their most recent result summed their season up.
After leading Ross County 2-0 thanks to a James Wilson double, they capitulated in stoppage time and conceded two poor, poor goals to draw the game and remain behind the Staggies in second bottom.
It’s the latest in a line of awful results and Hearts fans have lost patience with Neil Critchley, demanding the manager is sacked.
One thing Critchley and the Jam Tarts have over relegation rivals like Saints and County is an ability to outspend them in the January transfer window, which is now open.
Hearts are expected to confirm Elton Kabangu as their first signing of the month imminently as they look for an injection of something.
They’ve also been linked with defender Jamie McCart as they look to stop leaking goals.
Here is a look at exactly what the Tynecastle men need to do in January.
Hearts need more attacking quality
It has been abundantly clear all season that Hearts require more in attack, after selling Kyosuke Tagawa in the summer and not bringing in a replacement.
They’ve relied on Lawrence Shankland for goals for two season and now that his form has dried up, have no-one else stepping up to the plate on a regular basis.
The Jambos need someone who can be reliable in an around the box but also pace and creativity in and around it.
They’ve moved to address it with Kabangu but they arguably need further strengthening in attacking areas, particularly out wide.
Centre-back search
Critchley is also in need of more cover at centre-back as a result of losing Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley long-term, both potentially for the season.
That leaves Craig Halkett, only just back from injury himself, Kye Rowles, attracting interest from other clubs, and Daniel Oyegoke, more often used at right-back.
The manager is believed to want two additions in this position and McCart could be one of them, although it’s possible he doesn’t arrive until next season on a pre-contract.
Do Hearts need any other transfers?
Ideally, yes.
The above are the clear priorities but they have lacked quality all over the pitch this season, hence finding themselves in the current predicament.
More cover at both full-backs may be sought, especially if Andres Salazar has his loan from Atletico Nacional cut short having played just once.
Gerald Taylor is nearing a return from injury on the other side but time will tell how long it takes him to get up to full speed, while Oyegoke may be required centrally.
There are plenty of options in central midfield but almost all of them are more defensive minded players and they could look for a more progressive option.
Whether or not they can stretch beyond the immediate priorities remains to be seen.