Neil Critchley listened to all the naysayers after his Hearts appointment then responded in style by delivering a 4-0 home victory on his bow.
The Jambos were much improved as they turned over a sorry St Mirren side very comfortably and they moved off the bottom of the table, leapfrogging rivals Hibs to make it even sweeter.
Clearly there is a long way to go as second bottom isn’t where they want to be either, but it’s an ideal start for the former QPR and Blackpool boss, the only downside being supporter concerns over a moment involving Lawrence Shankland.
The games keep coming thick and fast and they’re up against Cypriots Omonia in the Conference League on Thursday before Sunday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.
Stewart still underwhelmed by Hearts appointing Critchley
The initial reaction to the news Critchley would be the new boss was pretty negative and Hearts fans were very much split in their opinions.
However, some decided to give the new man the benefit of the doubt and their backing. There was also a view that they must trust the process of Tony Bloom’s data analytics, used by the club in their manager search.
Winning 4-0 in your first game in charge is going to go even further to winning people round and that has been the case.
However, one person not fully buying into it just yet is former club captain Michael Stewart.
Speaking to the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, he said: “The overall performance was much improved. That is what is needed. Let’s not beat about the bush here – it’s an underwhelming appointment, Neil Critchley.
“And the only what that he’s going to gain more support, trust and belief is by getting results.”
Hearts and data analytics not foolproof
Asked whether or not he and Hearts fans should be trusting the process and allowing the analytics to bring up the best man for the job, again Stewart wasn’t fully sold.
He added: “Yeah but, you need to look at ‘what is the information that is being put into the analytics?’ You can’t just abdicate all responsibilty and absolve yourself of any impact and just say ‘well, the computer says that.’
“The point is if you look at his track record it’s patchy at best. So when you look at the full picture that’s why I’m saying it’s underwhelming. He was sacked from Blackpool after two league games this season and has got a better job, so congratulations and he’ll be loving it.
“But from Hearts’ perspective it’s a risky appointment and it’s at time when Hearts need stability and this, to a certain extent, is a risky appointment. Make no bones about it, that result on Saturday is massive.
“I don’t get up or down with football. I’m underwhelmed by it. I’m waiting to see what transpires.”