Hearts Boss Critchley Lifts Lid on Tynecastle Succession Planning
Hearts head coach Neil Critchley has shed light on the club’s long-term planning strategy, emphasizing that attention will soon shift to the summer transfer window following an active winter recruitment period.
In his first opportunity to reshape the squad, Hearts brought in Elton Kabangu, Jamie McCart, Michael Steinwender, Sander Kartum, and Harry Milne. Meanwhile, Liam Boyce, Andres Salazar, Kye Rowles, Daniel Oyegoke, and Malachi Boateng departed as part of the club’s squad adjustments.
With support from Jamestown Analytics, Critchley highlighted the importance of balancing immediate league ambitions with future planning. Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News ahead of Monday night’s Scottish Cup last-16 clash against St Mirren, he said:
“The squad is now set for the rest of the season, and I’m really happy with it. But part of our ongoing strategy is always to plan ahead. Over the next few weeks, we’ll review what we’ve done in January while also looking towards the summer. That process never stops. My focus is, of course, on winning games now, but we also need to consider our long-term vision.”
Youth Development a Key Focus
Several young players were loaned out during the transfer window, including Macaulay Tait, whom Critchley watched in action for Livingston in their cup win over Cove Rangers. Given his background in youth coaching at elite clubs like Liverpool, Critchley believes Hearts have a strong internal structure for player development.
“I’ve worked in youth development for many years, coaching at U21 and U23 levels, and I know there’s no single pathway for young players,” he explained. “Some progress through the B team to the first team, while others go straight into senior football or develop through loan spells. It’s about managing each player’s journey individually, and I believe we have a great team within the club to guide them along the right path.”
