Hearts’ season continues to plumb new depths as they surrendered a two-goal led in stoppage time at Ross County.
The Jambos looked set to leapfrog their Highland opponents as a double from teenager James Wilson, but County staged a late, late comeback to break Hearts.
Panic seemed to set in for the visitors as the Staggies launched balls into the box late on and Joshua Nisbet was able to fire home after a bit of pinball in the box.
Then another cross into the box wasn’t dealt with and goalkeeper Craig Gordon inexplicably let the ball squirm under him and Jordan White was able to tap in an equaliser.
Hearts boss Neil Critchley bemoaned the denial of a penalty for his side which could have put the game out of sight at 3-0, but was also critical of his players for those “crazy” late moments.
Fans are now losing patience with the manager less than three months after his appointment.
- READ MORE: Neil Critchley explains Hearts absence of Lawrence Shankland as captain misses Ross County
Hearts fans want Critchley sacked
The result was the latest in a line of embarrassing ones in recent weeks.
There was a draw with Moldovan minnows Petrocub which knocked Hearts out of the Conference League, defeat to a Kilmarnock side who played almost the entire match with ten men and an Edinburgh derby loss to Hibs.
Critchley initially looked to have improved things after inheriting a mess but the team now seems to have reverted to type.
Some supporters are not willing to give him time and don’t want to see him getting a transfer window to bring his own players in, even though Hearts are already making their move for striker Elton Kabangu.
This is My Story Podcast said: “Do not let that man spend a single penny in January. Get him out before we do a Cathro or a Stendel and let him bring in players when we all know he’ll be chased by February.”
One fan wrote: “Lose to 10 men killie. Can’t beat Moldovan part timers. Lose at home to Hibs and chuck a 95th minute 2-0 lead. Critchley is hopeless and doesn’t deserve a transfer window.”
Another agreed: “Critchley has to go. Kilmarnock, Petrocub, Hibs and Ross County in a two week period.”
This fan said: “If Critchley isn’t sacked between now and Thursday, then he should be if he starts Craig Gordon in goal against Motherwell.”
Another wrote: “Can’t allow this to continue any longer, can we get someone in who has a clue and can make difficult decisions.”
Hearts fans plan protest at Motherwell game
Hearts supporters have already made their feelings known about chairwoman Ann Budge and the club’s board in recent weeks, with chants and banners.
Recent results have exacerbated things and fans are now planning a protest outside the Tynecastle main stand before they face Motherwell on Thursday.
This is My Story said in a separate post: “Seven managers in 10 years. Another managerial disaster playing out. Another relegation dog fight.
“More money to be chucked into the void to save the season in January. £18m of our money handed over via the FoH. £25m in ‘gifts’ to balance the books. Millions in season ticket money. Millions in matchday money. Millions to Budge’s brother.
“Radio silence from the FoH other than to push messages from the board onto us. Fan owned, not fan run. Shut up and give us your money more like.
“Call for all Jambos to meet on the Plaza at 2pm vs Motherwell. Every 18 months we end up back in crisis, time and time again we get the next move wrong.
“It is time for a change. It is time for the FoH to step up and represent us, not the board. Enough is enough.”