Gary Mackay: Hearts fans can't complain as Ann Budge's backing again proves crucial to signings

People have criticised Ann Budge over backing Hearts managers for too long and there has been condemnation of the club’s recruitment for some time.

Hearts owner Ann Budge has backed the club's January transfer plans.

However, all credit to the owner, she has backed Robbie Neilson and Joe Savage massively over the last few weeks.

All clubs are finding it difficult just now during the pandemci and you see that in England with the number of clubs doing loan deals.

Hearts have actually paid money for someone, Aaron McEneff, who seems to have a decent pedigree from his time across in Ireland.

We've also signed two other players permanently – Gary Mackay-Steven and Armand Gnanduillet – and brought in a winger on loan in Gervane Kastaneer. I think the squad has definitely been strengthened.

The four players brought in are a statement of intent because they are mainly attack-minded. There is now strength in depth in the front area so people need to take their opportunities when they are on the pitch.

You look at how Jamie Walker used his chance last Saturday, scoring the winner against Dunfermline having not started because of a wee injury.

It's cut-throat in that squad just now and the response from Walker to win the match is what you need from all your attacking players to make sure we get out of this league as soon as possible.

From what I've seen of Gnanduillet, he clearly has a presence but he also looks quite mobile. That's a big part of the game and probably the attribute which could be held against Uche Ikpeazu when he was at Tynecastle.

He didn't have great mobility but this lad looks like he can move as well as being physical. Some defenders prefer playing tall, physical types. Others like to be against more buzzbomb forwards. Hearts need to mix and match that as much as they can with the options they now have.

From Joe Savage's point of view, you put yourself out on a limb a bit if your first monetary signing is someone you've wanted for four years. He must believe in McEneff's pedigree. He has brought in a box-to-box midfielder and we don't have one of them at this moment in time.

It's something the team has been lacking. When you sign someone for money, there is even more focus.

Free transfers are okay – putting them on four-year contracts isn't okay – but free transfers themselves are fine. Hearts have now paid money to bring a positive dynamic to the squad in the lad McEneff. I’m looking forward to seeing him if he's as energetic as we are led to believe.

Robbie spent time down south as a player and manager, plus Joe Savage will have knowledge of players in England that will have led to Kastaneer’s arrival.

We had no time left after Ginnelly's injury. He is out for the rest of the season but will still be getting paid. The new lad will also be getting paid so I don't think any of us supporters can complain about the financial backing given to the management.

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