5 key Hearts AGM takeaways as January transfer plans hatched amid refereeing frustrations

There weren’t many stones left unturned as Hearts conducted their AGM at Tynecastle.

The Jambos are top of the league as December rolls on, with a clash with second placed Celtic this Sunday, the teams separated by goal difference. While a run of one win in six has proven frustrating, it has been an excellent start to the campaign overall for Hearts, who have been buoyed by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom’s investment and his Jamestown Analytics software arriving at Tynecastle

There was plenty discussed inside the Gorgie Suite, from refereeing concerns to what could be done in the January transfer window. Here are some of the key takeaways from what went down at the 2025 Hearts AGM.

Budge’s legacy

It’s officially the end of an era in Gorgie as Ann Budge officially stepped down from the role as chairwoman, becoming the club’s honorary president. She helped save Hearts and brought them out of administration with fans’ help in 2014, and now steps aside at 77. Starting from the ashes of the Vladimir Romanov tenure, she leaves Hearts with the club top of the table and with concrete aspirations of Champions League football and title glory. Her reign has been far from smooth and opinion has been divided at times, but she undoubtedly goes down as one of the club’s most important figures in its history, and leaves a legacy that will stand the test of time through a new stand, fan ownership and Bloom’s arrival.

Expect January business

Winger Islam Chesnokov is already signed up on a pre-contract from Tobol in his native Kazakhstan, but that doesn’t look likely to be the only area that is upgraded at Hearts in January. There was no hiding from what would or wouldn’t be done during the winter transfer window as it was confirmed that plans are already way down the line. That said, players exiting has also been strongly hinted at. Hearts do have a top-heavy squad with several stars like Craig Gordon, James Wilson, Elton Kabangu, Sander Kartum and Jamie McCart just some of those struggling for regular minutes. Right-back is an area that has been debated by pundits and fans as an area that could be targeted.

Neil Critchley differences

The former Hearts coach probably wasn’t the first name on the lips of those in attendance but he did come up as the Oriam training facility was discussed. Hearts have had their injury issues to deal with and the panel were quizzed on whether the club’s preparation base was up to scratch in terms of surfaces, where sporting director Graeme Jones said “Derek’s training is intense - night and day from Neil (Critchley).” The ex-Liverpool coach lasted less than a full season at the helm at Tynecastle and shows the positive strides current head coach Derek McInnes has made away from a matchday since arriving in Gorgie after a disappointing campaign.

Refereeing frustrations

This meeting came as McInnes was left aggrieved that Hearts didn’t get a penalty for a Dominic Thompson handball inside the penalty box during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock. There have been several controversial incidents this term involving referees and VAR impacting plenty of sides, with goal line technology coming down to an issue of cost. CEO Andrew McKinlay opted to keep some of his feelings to himself but did admit that clubs have to work with referees more, with a desire for better whistlers in Scottish football. It’s similar sentiments to what some bosses and leaders behind the scenes have across Scotland as head of referees Willie Collum is put under pressure amid continuing blunders.

Graeme Jones the key

Much has been made about major shareholder Tony Bloom and his involvement at Hearts, with Jamestown Analytics a factor in recruitment. It was made clear though that a key link to the full process at Hearts is sporting director Jones, and the integration of analytics is very much in the remit of the former SFA man. He is also working on youth development at Hearts alongside being a main man in other areas. Bloom’s success at Brighton and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise was alluded to but to get into a similar arena, it would appear that Jones will have a huge say. He has been trusted with major projects in the football department.