Neil Critchley on Hearts transfer chats ahead of January window

Add as preferred source on Google

Neil Critchley is not long in the door at Hearts and still assessing his squad.

But most fans will he hoping that assessment leads to some quality being added in certain positions come January.

Indeed, CEO Andrew McKinlay has already admitted Hearts are looking “very closely” at a target for the transfer window while also hinting at outgoings.

Critchley will continue to try to get the best out of his existing squad while figuring out where he needs to add.

But pundit and former player Michael Stewart reckons he knows exactly what they need.

• READ MORE: Hearts explain £4.4m loss as Jambos release ‘challenging’ yearly accounts

Critchley quizzed on Hearts transfer plans

The Jambos boss is currently preparing his side for their next Conference League clash against Heidenheim at Tynecastle tomorrow evening.

He also has the not insignificant task of pulling them away from the relegation zone and up the Premiership table.

With just one defeat so far the early signs are good but the 45-year-old is focusing on making sure that progress continues. That’s why he’s not getting too drawn on transfers just yet.

Critchley said: “I’m not going to go into that right now because I’ve only been here a matter of weeks and I’m still assessing and learning about the players that are right in front of me right now.

“My sole focus is on trying to help these players to improve and get better. They’re a good group of people and sometimes things just don’t go your way. What we can’t do is feel down about that.

“There’s only us who can show what we’re about, show our character and it’s on us as a group to respond and show fight, spirit, show what we’re about as people.

“I’ve said from the very first interview I had, is to get time you need to make sure you get the results in the short term.

“There are certain aspects of our performances that we need to do better at and eradicate from our game if I am to get that time.”

However, the Englishman did admit that conversations had started ahead of January and will intensify once new sporting director Graeme Jones is full in place.

He added: “We’ve had some conversations. That’s normal I think for the manager and recruitment and the people around you to have those discussions. 

“Obviously when Graeme joins at the back end of the month as well, I’m sure those conversations will become more frequent as we look towards January and what we want to try and do.”

Where should Hearts be looking to add in the transfer market?

Michael Stewart reckons the Jambos need to add pace and it is hard to argue with him.

Currently Kenneth Vargas provides that but a lot of the players they have in midfield and attack are tidy, technical players with no-one else providing that directness.

That means Hearts should be looking to add in the wide areas and at centre forward, with only Lawrence Shankland and Vargas as senior players up front currently.

With Gerald Taylor out long-term there may also be the option to add at right-back. But youngster Adam Forrester looks to be developing nicely there so it could be that him and Daniel Oyegoke continue to fight it out in that position.