Hearts Supporters Reflect on First Defeat Under New Manager

Following Neil Critchley’s initial defeat as manager, a 2-1 home loss to Kilmarnock that placed Hearts at the bottom of the league standings, we solicited opinions from supporters. Below are some of the responses received: Maca: “Once again poor defending, we continue to lose really soft goals. We are passing the ball around the back and midfield without producing in the final third. Up front we have lost our way, no impact from the bench this time against a well-organised defence. The lack of quality and pace is there to see, along with the strikers not on form!” Bryan: “It was never going to be an easy fix, we got a great new manager bounce and now the reality of where Steven Naismith and Joe Savage left us becomes clear. Saturday in Perth now becomes a vital three points. Players like Barrie McKay and Lawrence Shankland need to have a serious word with themselves. The Critchley express has been delayed, but it’s on the way.” Tom: “We are paying the price for not having a second striker. The fans knew we needed to get one during the summer but the manager, at that time, didn’t. If Shankland isn’t on form then we have no real scoring threat. Teams know they can bully us. We are in serious danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the league.” Chris: “The new manager bubble has burst and it’s back to reality. We scraped a draw and are back to the standard of having the ball all game and doing absolutely nothing with it. At the beginning I said we were relegation material with the squad we have and playing in Europe, and this will become a fact. It’s time to start preparing for next year in the Championship.” Steven: “Weak! The whole club is weak. Critchley was a weak appointment by a weak board. He needs to learn that his players are weak, have no character, and are technically poor. I don’t blame Critchley because this is Hearts all over. We are in a relegation fight and Derek McInnes has done a number on us. He was the man for the job.” David: “Normal service resumed. Seventy per cent possession and no end product – 18 shots at goal and only five on target. Massive mistake in not recruiting at least one, probably two strikers for the season. Both Killie goals were given away sloppily. We really need a result at St Johnstone on Saturday.”