Neil Critchley says Hearts were happy with their January transfer work and discusses the necessity of doing some Scottish shopping.
The Premier League side had a low-key deadline day, bringing in left-back Harry Milne, as youngster Ethan Drysdale, went the other way to Partick Thistle. Elton Kabangu, Jamie McCart, Michael Steinwender, and Sander Kartum all arrived during a hectic January.
On deadline day, Malachi Boateng left for Plymouth Argyle, along with Liam Boyce, Kye Rowles, Andres Salazar, and Daniel Oyegoke. On deadline day at Hearts, Critchley was questioned by the Edinburgh Evening News if a Boateng replacement was contemplated, but the head coach is satisfied with his choices.
There’s also a full view of the window rather than a last-minute tram dash. He answered, “No, we were quite satisfied with where we are and what we had in that position. So, no, I’d say it was debated about Mal and if we thought it was a good fit for him in the club, and he wanted to do it. So, we’re all pleased with the scenario.
“There’s a touch of panic surrounding transfer deadline day because everyone becomes obsessed on that one day. But it’s January as a whole, and when you look at the work we’ve done in January, I’m really happy. It became slightly busier on Sunday night and Monday morning.
“Obviously, with Mal leaving and Harry coming in. But aside from that, the remainder of the day was rather uneventful. I know Harry is really looking forward to it. When you speak with him, you can see he is excited. I’m genuinely happy for him.
“You want to provide others with opportunities in life, especially those who deserve them. His journey is fascinating. He has always found a way to adapt to the level at which he is playing and finally prosper. He’s always stepped up, coped, and then excelled at the level he currently plays at. We are hopeful and confident that he can accomplish it again.”
Critchley, who has held management positions at QPR and Blackpool, has previously worked in the Scottish market. He did not end up poaching anyone from that pool, but he believes it is an area of recruitment that is highly valued. Last season, Hearts signed pre-contracts with Blair Spittal, James Penrice, and Yan Dhanda, while McCart joined from Rotherham United, armed with trophy-winning experience at St Johnstone. Then there’s the Milne addition from the Championship.
He stated, “When I was at Blackpool, I looked at a number of players up in Scotland.” For whatever reason, I do not believe we did or ever did sign one. But I was aware of several players in Scotland. I watched a lot of the teams, and you’re always trying to find the best talent within and around you. I believe it is crucial to have a core of homegrown or players that have played in this country because they understand the league’s standards.
“They understand the league’s style and the level of intensity that is expected each week. Looking for players who play in similar leagues to Scotland, such as Elton, Michael, and Sander, is not a bad idea. That’s obviously what we want to do in the long run.”
