Neil Critchley must be itching to get to January and put his stamp on the Hearts squad.
The Englishman has the Jambos playing better football since his appointment even though results have been up and down and has been praised for instilling a clear identity in the team.
What is clear though is there are definite deficiencies within a squad which has just one goal in its last three games and five in his last six.
Hearts will be looking to bring in reinforcements in January after signing a deal with Jamestown Analytics to use their data in player recruitment.
CEO Andrew McKinlay has already teased transfer activity and admitted there is one player in particular the club are looking ‘very closely’ at.
Neil Critchley on Hearts transfers
Hearts boss Neil Critchley has already spoken on transfers as they assess what they need ahead of the January window.
But the Jambos already have a big squad and departures are also likely – with the likes of Liam Boyce and Andres Salazar not getting game time.
Critchley admits leaving guys like that completely out of his squad is the hardest part of his job but admits he is still likely to strengthen.
Hearts are looking to sign a striker in the winter window and former midfielder Ryan Stevenson reckons they need FOUR signings.
Asked how many he would like to bring in, Critchley said: “I wouldn’t put a figure on that. I’d say we’ve got a big squad here at the moment so my problem is having to leave players out. That’s been a tough time.
“January is a few weeks away. Will we look to strengthen the squad? Possibly, but also my focus at the moment is still working with the players inside the building – developing them and helping them to understand how we want to play.
“January will take care of itself when we get there. I think we’ve got about 500 games before January.”
Asked if departures were necessary before any additions, he added: “No I don’t think so. You want a squad that’s manageable.
“You want a squad that is competitive and I think it’s important that they all feel as though the opportunity is there for them to play.
“We have also got to provide a pathway for our younger players as well. Just having the right amount of players is important and we’ll see in January what happens with ins and outs.”
Critchley Hearts relationship with Graeme Jones
Another figure who will be key in Hearts‘ recruitment work is new sporting director Graeme Jones, who this week officially started in his role.
Critchley has already built up a good relationship with the former Scottish FA man who has already been doing the role at Tynecastle on a part-time basis while working his notice.
He added: “I’ve spoken to Graeme many times at length, whether that’s on the phone or WhatsApp or face-to-face.
“But also he’s had his job to do as well and he’s been busy with the last few international camps. He has been trying to be as respectful as possible of his position and his role.
“I’ve got so many things that I want to talk to him about and I’m sure that’s the same for Graeme as well. I only spoke to him the other day but it’s going to be good for me and the football club that he’s now in full-time. I’ll try not to bombard him with too much too soon.”
The Hearts boss insists he is comfortable working alongside a sporting director, adding: “I think I have had that before.
“As long as you’re aligned in the way that you think and you see the club moving forward.
“You want to have a close relationship, a working relationship, a personal relationship where you have the honest, challenging, tough conversations – but also you know that you’re there to support each other because ultimately we’re all there for the same benefit which is to make this football club better.
“I know Graeme is passionate about his role and what he wants to do and I’m similar. So I think that’s a good starting point.”