Hearts entire season is on the line in this transfer window and there are 2 players I'd show the door – Ryan Stevenson

Hearts' entire season hinges on the next few weeks. It’s make or break. The January window could be the gateway back to Europe if they get it right. Get it wrong and that door will slam shut.

But if Neil Critchley was to secure a fourth successive season in Europe then I reckon it would be an even bigger accomplishment than Steven Naismith finishing third last season.

You look at everything he’s had to deal with - where Hearts were sitting when he took over, the scrutiny on him as he’s tried to implement his style, the backlash to not qualifying for the Conference League play-offs - it would be a huge achievement if he secured another crack at Europe through the league or Scottish Cup.

But the next few weeks are massive if he is to do that. Winning their last two games is a huge boost and has moved them right up the form table. But right now that’s just a sticking plaster covering massive holes in the squad.

Critchley must have gone through December thinking if he doesn’t get bodies in during the first week of January he could be in serious trouble. They’ve done that with two signings that have galvanised the squad and also shown the fans that they are on the ball. But they need more.

It’s not just the manager who should be under scrutiny though, this is a huge window for new sporting director Graeme Jones to show his worth. The jury is out on the whole recruitment process. Supercomputer or no supercomputer.

And if I was manager right now I’d be targeting players that I know and can trust because if they don’t sign well it won’t be Jones losing his job - it will be Critchley. I’d sure as hell not be putting my fate in someone else’s hands.

The manager would have taken the job hoping he not only gets the January window