What Hearts must avoid in the January transfer window

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson confirmed he is looking to do business in the transfer window. Picture: SNS

It was a comment that was somewhat lost amongst his take on Don Robertson and the referee’s impact on the game at Dens Park but is surely music to the ears of supporters.

The loss to James McPake’s side, inspired by Charlie Adam, was confirmation that this Hearts team is very much a work in progress.

For the team to get to a level which reaches the expectations of the fans and the club – challenging for European football on a yearly basis – additions and changes to personnel are required.

The current squad are more than good enough to get out of the Championship as champions, and they have a manager who is astute at doing so.

Despite defeats by Dunfermline and Dundee, Neilson’s men still hold a five-point lead with 17 games remaining. Even after last night’s showing, which included an abject first 45 minutes, it would be daft to think Hearts are going to be anything other than league winners.

With that in mind, business in January should be geared to being back in the Premiership for the 2021/22 season. In turn, Hearts should avoid short-termism and signings that are solely about getting out of the division.

‘Rip it up and start again’

Neilson, who revealed he has a number of targets, will work closely with the new director of football Joe Savage.

Recruitment will likely centre around building towards the goal of challenging at the top of the Premiership and not, to quote Orange Juice, the ‘rip it up and start’ again approach which has been the norm down Gorgie way.

Neilson has taken the core of last year’s squad, without a major overhaul that many thought was a necessity, and provided direction, while instilling a team spirit. Eight of the starting XI which started against Dundee were contracted to the club last campaign.

It was telling that Neilson didn’t turn to summer recruits Jordan Roberts or Elliott Frear when looking to turn the game. Frustratingly, Josh Ginnelly, an excellent signing and genuine game-changer, has been able to start just four games.

Transfer wishlist

Ask fans what is required in the transfer window and you would likely be met with a sigh and then the following list:

- A centre-back

- Powerful midfielder who can provide dynamism

- Pace and width

- A striker

There are a number of young players in the Championship with talent and potential who would be add to the team and have that hunger to succeed in the top-flight. A quick glance around the league and you are looking at Kyle Turner at Dunfermline Athletic, Roddy MacGregor at Inverness CT and Frankie Musonda at Raith Rovers.

Another avenue is Premiership players on expiring deals who Hearts will be able to speak to this month.

After the Dundee defeat, fans will want a raft of new signings but it is important to be patient, think beyond the short-term. The current squad needs improvements but as it stands is still more than good enough to win the league with games to spare.