The fans deserve better, a lot better." Domestically, Hearts are bottom of the Scottish Premiership after 17 games, the same position they were in when Critchley took over in October.

And I think that's a fair argument. "But it has long surprised me that McInnes has not been taken by Hearts or Hibs given the amount of time they've been looking for managers in recent years.

It was an ugly ending to the league season David Oliver, Online Sports Reporter Published: 18:05, 18 May 2024 Updated: 18:20, 18 May 2024 David Oliver, Online Sports Reporter Published: Invalid Date, ...

The Gorgie club would have also made an extra few quid in the process. Hopefully clubs such as Hearts come to their senses soon enough, as it will be in everyone’s best interests.

Head coach Neil Critchley calls on his Hearts players to "stand up as a group" after exiting the Conference League, but how deep are their troubles?