Peter Grant is doubtful whether Neil Critchley was the right manager appointment at Hearts due to his style of play.
And the pundit claims Hearts fans want a more direct approach on the field akin to Everton manager Sean Dyche’s philosophy.
Hearts lost 1-0 to 10-man Kilmarnock on Sunday and it leaves them rock bottom of the Premiership table after 17 games.
Critchley has presided over just four Hearts wins since his appointment in October as he tries to get the best out of the squad he inherited.
It’s clear Critchley has adopted a different style of play, but at the moment, that isn’t translating into results.
Grant knows Critchley from his time down in England and understands full well that his teams play nice football.
But the former Scotland defender isn’t sure Critchley’s philosophy goes hand in hand with what Hearts needed after the sacking of Steven Naismith.
Grant thinks Hearts fans would have appreciated a more direct style of football and questions Critchley’s suitability at Tynecastle.
Sean Dyche manager of Everton gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 i...
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Grant questions Critchley as Dyche point made
Speaking on Premier Sports’ The Scottish Football Social Club, Grant said: “The one thing that concerns me about the computers (Jamestown Analytics) or whatever, do they know the background of Hearts? How do Hearts play, what do Hearts supporters expect?
“They expect fire in the belly, tackles, they want crosses coming into the box, they want shots at goal. Some managers don’t play that way.
“I’ve known Neil for a long time down south, he wants his teams to play, everybody does now. But Tynecastle is slightly different. And that’s why I think when you’re looking at a manager, what way does his team play, is that a Hearts background?
“Yes, Neil Critchley’s teams play exceptionally good football, but this is the type of manager we need. Like Sean Dyche for instance, just throwing a name in there. The way he plays, that’s more a Hearts type of manager, I believe, than a Neil Critchley.
“He plays forward, they’re positive, there’s crosses and bodies in the box. That’s what Tynecastle likes because they (fans) want it to be rocking and supporters feed off that.
“When it’s somebody with a slow build-up style or trying to play through – that’s different. Is it the right fit for Hearts, that’s the question I would ask.
“It doesn’t mean Neil is a bad coach or manager because I’ve seen his teams play at Liverpool or whatever and they’re very good on the eye.
“But is that what Hearts need? I’m not so sure that’s a Hearts type of manager.”
Critchley was Hearts’ only choice
Back in October upon Critchley’s appointment, Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay confirmed the former Blackpool boss was the only candidate spoken to.
Jamestown Analytics played a role in his appointment as McKinlay said it was clear Critchley was the right man for Hearts.
The CEO said: “Neil was the preferred candidate from an analytics perspective and also when we spoke to him, it was very clear he was the right person to work with us, Graeme and the analytics,” he added.
“We spoke to Neil at the back end of last week and over the weekend. We didn’t negotiate with anyone else. There was a lot of talk but Neil was the only person we negotiated with.”
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