This was said by the Tynecastle chief executive both under Steven Naismith and Robbie Neilson, when the team was running far ahead in third place. Now that they have just two points and no wins in the Scottish Premiership, things are different.

Naturally, they could advance much further with the use of data analytics and Brighton’s strategy for finding hidden gems in the transfer market. However, supporters have been voicing their disapproval of it at this time ever since McKinlay’s remarks.

He expressed his excitement over the analytics’ debut and his belief that it will enable the Hearts to fight the Celtic and Rangers for the championship. However, the overwhelming consensus is that the team’s immediate task is to make sure it stays out of the bottom half of the table and avoid potential relegation difficulties.

Ryan Stevenson: ‘Hearts boasts should be put on hold’

Ryan Stevenson thinks the same thing. The former Jambos midfielder thought the CEO’s conversation was ridiculous and believes that stopping the decline should be the main priority right now.

“Predicting challenges to the Old Firm in years to come is great – if you’re sitting where Aberdeen are right now,” he stated in the Daily Record. However, the truth is that as things are, hearts are pointing in one direction. Now let’s return to the Championship.

“I read Andrew McKinlay’s most recent claims, expressing optimism that Tynecastle’s new analytics tool will elevate them to a potential title contender. And to be honest, it gave me the creeps. It appears as though the CEO is unaware of how serious the situation is.

“Listen, Brighton’s use of analytics and data is incredible. However, given that we now have two points from eight league games, you cannot be discussing splitting the Old Firm at this time.

After firing Steven Naismith, McKinlay and his board ought to be entirely focused on ensuring that the next managerial selection is a perfect fit. No supercomputer on the planet will have them close to Celtic or Rangers if they don’t.

Tony Bloom and analytics can be Hearts game changer

Stevenson was careful to emphasise that he had nothing against the shift to data. Lee McCulloch, who works as a scout for Brighton, has expressed his belief that it COULD revolutionise the game.

He simply believes that the club should be focussing all of its current efforts on appointing the best manager and getting the team playing in the desired direction.

He continued, saying, “I agree with McKinlay that it might potentially transform the game. However, there are many more crucial matters to arrange initially, beginning with hiring the appropriate boss.

“Someone who can establish relationships with everyone in the background, who can identify with the club, who understands the Hearts DNA, and who can identify with the playing staff.” The PC is not the issue. The individual in control will always be the most crucial factor.

“Someone needs to be in place at Hearts come Monday am. Better still, before then. Allow them to work with the players for a full week before to St Mirren’s arrival at Tynecastle for the following game following the break. They have an enormous block of games between now and January, so they must get off to a fast start.

Hearts ‘will struggle to make top six’

Hearts always aims to finish third in the league, even though the long-term goal may be to challenge the top two. According to Stevo, they may even struggle to make the top six. They are currently beyond that.

Hearts won’t finish third now, he said candidly. I don’t think they’ll be able to make the top six. However, they must take care to avoid getting into a relegation struggle. The roster remains unchanged until January, at which point they will need to bolster midway through the campaign.

Because the market is overpriced, that is simply lousy business. Due to their knowledge of Hearts’ need, clubs will raise prices. The athletes will also have the right to request further compensation.