Hearts are relying on data analytics to identify the right recruits this summer, both on the pitch and in the dugout. However, former Jambos assistant Frankie McAvoy insists that the most crucial factor for any new manager at Tynecastle is the support of the 12th man.
As reported by Record Sport, Belgian coach Wouter Vrancken is expected to be appointed as Hearts' new manager this week, replacing Derek McInnes. McAvoy, who worked under Steven Naismith at Hearts, stressed the importance of the new boss making a strong start to harness the energy from the stands.
McAvoy emphasises home form as key
McInnes enjoyed an unbeaten home record last season, bringing Hearts within minutes of their first league title in 66 years. McAvoy, who recently left Carlisle United alongside Mark Hughes, told Record Sport: "First and foremost, whoever the new manager is must believe they can replicate what Derek's done. They must get the fans behind them. Get off to a good start. I think it's so important."
He added: "Tynecastle, it's like the Old Firm, if you're doing well at home these fans become a 12th man for you. When it's like that it's a raucous place. It's a hell of a place, a real fortress. The fans are on top of you. The pitch is tight. It makes it really, really tough for opposition."
Previous season's resilience praised
McAvoy highlighted a match where Hearts came back from 3-0 down against Motherwell with 25 minutes remaining, crediting the fans for driving the team. "That sheer hunger and desire and will not to lose was clear in their DNA through the season," he said. However, he acknowledged that a poor run could make Tynecastle a difficult environment, as other managers have discovered.
Hearts have been active in the transfer window despite the managerial uncertainty. Beerschot forward Sabri Guendouz is close to becoming the sixth signing of the summer, following Malachi Fagan-Walcott's £750,000 move from York City.
Fagan-Walcott signing praised
The price tag for Fagan-Walcott, a defender who played in the National League, raised some eyebrows. But McAvoy, who faced him while at Carlisle, was not surprised. He said: "Listen, the standard of the National League is very, very good. And the lad Malachi was a top performer."
McAvoy described the 6ft 2in defender as quick, comfortable in 1v1 situations, and a threat from set plays. "He scored a good number of goals too, by the way. Including against us! He’s always alive to things in the box," McAvoy added.
He concluded: "I think he'll be a good addition for Hearts, certainly. He’s had a good grounding at Spurs and then Cardiff City. Some of these young ones just need a wee bit of time to develop. But he's certainly got a lot of good attributes."
