Why criticism of Hearts boss Daniel Stendel is only increasing his support among the Tynecastle faithful

Daniel Stendel has faced criticism from Christophe Berra, Glenn Whelan and Jon Daly. Picture: SNS

Hearts fans likely spend much of the working weekend refreshing the club's Twitter account, trawling message boards and social media, jumping from one website to another, hoping to be presented with an image of a new recruit holding the maroon-and-white scarf above their head.

However, they now know that they are just as likely to see someone, whether it is the club captain, former players or previous coaches, having their say on Daniel Stendel and his stewardship of the Tynecastle club since taking over in December.

And the opinion hasn't been positive.

Jon Daly called Stendel's comments about 'trust' "embarrassing". Picture: SNS

Yet, it is only the signing inertia which has overly concerned fans. They know fine well the sooner players arrive the better in terms of getting them up to speed ahead of a mammoth second half of the season, starting with Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup at Tynecastle on Saturday, followed by the crucial Ladbrokes Premiership fixture in Dingwall against Ross County on Wednesday, January 22.

Five points adrift at the bottom, league survival is the only thing which matters to the Hearts support. Certainly not the opinions of individuals who have contributed to the position Stendel found the club in when taking over.

The far from ideal start of just one point from his first five league games has presented those individuals with a much easier target to send their verbal volleys at, especially when he has taken ruthless steps to try and eradicate the malaise in EH11.

Captain Christophe Berra was told he was to train with the reserves and that he is available for transfer. Veteran midfielder Glenn Whelan had his contract terminated. Coach Jon Daly departed, Stendel having said that Andy Kirk was the only coach he trusted.

In turn, words and phrases such as "hurt", "angry", "embarrassing", "let down" and "amateurish" have been used to describe both Stendel and the club.

Fans backing

Largely, the manager's decisions have been backed by the Hearts support. Many had been pleading for Berra to be dropped after a series of poor performances. There were those who felt Whelan didn't want to be at Tynecastle. Supporters were suspicious of coaches such as Daly who had been part of the previous, failed, regime being in the club's plans going forward. Just as they are with the continued involvement of Craig Levein and Austin MacPhee.

The point is being missed by many, including those who have had their say.

Daly, in speaking to the BBC about Berra, said: "The whole situation should have been handled totally different. It puts the players on edge. They think - if he can treat Christophe Berra like that, I could be next."

Hearts have been floundering for so long due in part to inaction. They are finally seeing someone, arriving from outside the Scottish football bubble - an independent adjudicator if you will - with fresh eyes and starting to clear the decks.

There is a feeling that the players and staff at the club should be on edge. This is a club deep in a relegation battle. It should make people uncomfortable, knowing they have to do everything they can to survive at Hearts. A message of no more coasting, no more doing whatever you want, no more training whenever you want. Raising standards.

Transfer concerns

Daly was critical of Stendel's transfer targets - aside from Liam Boyce - namely German forward Charles-Jesaja Herrmann. He labelled the German Under-19 international a "gamble" with the belief that Aidan Keena, who has been allowed to leave, may as well have been given a run of games.

The Irish striker, who joined Hartlepool United, 12th in the English fifth tier, may not have been given the run of games Daly would have liked to have seen afforded to him, but the youngster only scored once in 17 appearances for the club.

It was at odds with what he had said seconds previously: "It's key that Daniel brings in the players he wants to bring in."

Stendel has stepped into a mess and he is slowly and ruthlessly clearing a path for himself, steadfast, making his own decisions,

It is very likely no one at the club would have wanted the headlines of the past week, of disgruntled current and former employees hitting out at the club and manager in the media. Conversely, it could be seen as a positive. Already it has had a galvanising effect among the support, fans throwing more backing behind Stendel to turn it around.

Without a ball being kicked since before New Year, a siege mentality has slowly emerged, a potentially useful tool for the team moving forward. For so long they have had to tread carefully in games with the crowd on edge, frustrated at constant under performance. On their return, just as they seen during and after the draw with Aberdeen, they are likely to have the full backing of the Gorgie faithful.