Neil Critchley watched his Hearts side earn back-to-back wins for the first time of the season to ease some of the pressure on him.
Today’s victory came against third place Dundee United off the back of beating another in-form side in Motherwell, who sit fifth.
The club’s standout player this season, James Penrice, provided the only goal of the game with a moment of real quality.
Despite the win, the Jambos remain 11th in the Premiership due to results elsewhere, but they are now just three points off seventh and four off the top six.
But performances and results suggest the Englishman has them moving in the right direction and he still has the rest of the January transfer window to keep improving the squad.
So far, striker Elton Kabangu has been signed from Union-Saint Gilloise on loan, to try and provide a much-needed injection of pace.
While former St Johnstone cup double-winning centre half Jamie McCart has been brought in from Rotherham.
And he could be a direct replacement for Kye Rowles who is on the verge of a move to DC United, as revealed by Not the Old Firm.
Latest on Rowles Hearts exit for DC United
But the Aussie, 26, was still in the starting XI for the win over Dundee United this afternoon, with McCart making his debut off the bench.
Post-match, manager Neil Critchley was asked by the situation with Rowles and admitted transfer talks have taken place.
He told BBC Radio Scotland: “We’ve been approached by another club and negotiations are taking place but nothing is agreed at this moment in time, so Kye is still our player and will remain our player until our valuation is met.
“He’s been terrific, I said that to him yesterday. In my time here he’s been brilliant but I know he’s been brilliant previous to that.
“I think he’s played every minute of every game near enough for me and he’s hardly put a foot wrong.
“He’s a very good player, we don’t want to lose our good players but everyone has a price.”
Elton Kabangu Hearts update
Despite being the first Jambos deal of January, signed on New Year’s Day, Kabangu has been unable to be named in any matchday squads yet.
The Tynecastle club are still working to try and secure a work permit for the Belgian and the manager appeared to aim a dig at the Home Office.
Asked if the 26-year-old will be available to face Aberdeen next weekend, Critchley added: “I would very much hope so. I hope the Home Office has enjoyed their Christmas and they decide to have a look at that in the next 24-48 hours.
“I fully expect Elton to be available and ready for Aberdeen and I think he will provide something different at the top end of the pitch.”