The Englishman becomes the latest Heart of Midlotian head coach to pick up the award with Steven Naismith winning one last season and Robbie Neilson one in each of the two previous campaigns.

It follows an unbeaten January with the team winning three and drawing one of their four league games.

Hearts started 2025 with 1-0 wins over Motherwell at Tynecastle Park and Dundee United at Tannadice. The month ended with a 3-2 success against Kilmarnock in Gorgie which arrived a few days after Critchley had passed through the 100-day mark as the club’s head coach

The team were very close to making it four wins from four but Jorge Grant saw a stoppage-time penalty saved by Aberdeen’s Ross Doohan at Pittodrie with the match finishing 0-0.

Amongst the league fixtures was a 4-1 win over Brechin City in the Scottish Cup.

“I’d like to dedicate this award to all of the staff, not just at Oriam but at Tynecastle too, and the players who have performed very well in the month of January,” Critchley told the club’s official site.

“It’s a huge collective effort that helps us to perform from game to game and our appreciation goes to everyone who contributes in making this happen.

“Lastly to our supporters who continuously back our team home and away; thank you.