Neil Critchley

[bloomtime]

On 24/01/2025 at 08:31, We_are_the_Hearts said:

So are you saying ignore JTA and stick with the players that have us 11th? The mind boggles

Where you saying that in july think not. Some new players are good for any team,  another striker I was crying out for in august maybe 2 and a pacey wide player and we defo needed the new cbs as both kingsley and halkett are injury prone looks like halkett has broken down again but got to still keep a spine in team. Can't get rid of everyone. JTA could be good but spfl is different more physical to epl or european in style. 

[Ex member of the SaS]

16 hours ago, jamborich said:

Do you go to our training sessions? You know for a fact he doesn’t put his voice across…wow

Heard him speak many times and he does not have the type of commanding voice I feel is required to get players motivated. For example a Fergie type do what I say or else.

[TuckerCarlsonsToupee]

By this point last season Lawrence Shankland had scored 16 goals.  Since Critchley arrived we have played, I think, 16 games and Shankland has scored, I think, two goals.  With the same squad that Naismith had, minus certain players being unfit, and minus a striker scoring 16 goals, he has led the team to third in the form league, taken us from two points adrift at the foot of the table to nine points off that position, and to within 4 points of the top six.  It is worth noting too that the "eye test" indicates that all of this is being done while playing a far less negative style of football.  Now we have new players arriving to freshen, and strengthen, the first team squad it isn't unreasonable to think that further improvement is coming.

The criticisms of Critchely stemmed, largely, from the fact that a more attractive option, Hogmo, appeared to have been blocked by someone at the club and came when our form was its worst since Critchley arrived.  I don't know the truth of the Hogmo situation, but I do know that I have enjoyed spells in all of the matches Critchley has been in charge for...and with a little bit more quality in those spells we would have many more points on the board, away to Rangers, at home to Killie, even at home to Celtic, very few would argue we were not worth more from those matches than we took.  Does a team with Kabangu, Kartum, McCart, and Steinwender draw with Petrocub?  Maybe.  If my aunty had balls and all that.

When I read people complaining about Critchley's voice I think they are unwilling to change their mind despite the evidence available that proves he is doing a good job.  The Blackpool support may have a problem with him, but I think he has conducted himself brilliantly since he arrived, managing 8 games in December, injuries to important players, and never once complaining, instead focusing on managing the situation.  Will we successful with him at the helm?  I don't know, but I do know that he has us playing a style of football that I am enjoying, and the prospect of someone like Derek McInnes sending out a Hearts side to play the way his Killie team did yesterday fills me with dread.

[ScandinavianJambo]

22 hours ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

Nice cross from Forrester. Despite him getting bullied at the goal, he's going to be a good player. Just up against a bigger, more experienced team and he's looking overmatched.

 

Still would have had Oyegoke in the team today . . .

 

3 minutes ago, TuckerCarlsonsToupee said:

By this point last season Lawrence Shankland had scored 16 goals.  Since Critchley arrived we have played, I think, 16 games and Shankland has scored, I think, two goals.  With the same squad that Naismith had, minus certain players being unfit, and minus a striker scoring 16 goals, he has led the team to third in the form league, taken us from two points adrift at the foot of the table to nine points off that position, and to within 4 points of the top six.  It is worth noting too that the "eye test" indicates that all of this is being done while playing a far less negative style of football.  Now we have new players arriving to freshen, and strengthen, the first team squad it isn't unreasonable to think that further improvement is coming.

The criticisms of Critchely stemmed, largely, from the fact that a more attractive option, Hogmo, appeared to have been blocked by someone at the club and came when our form was its worst since Critchley arrived.  I don't know the truth of the Hogmo situation, but I do know that I have enjoyed spells in all of the matches Critchley has been in charge for...and with a little bit more quality in those spells we would have many more points on the board, away to Rangers, at home to Killie, even at home to Celtic, very few would argue we were not worth more from those matches than we took.  Does a team with Kabangu, Kartum, McCart, and Steinwender draw with Petrocub?  Maybe.  If my aunty had balls and all that.

When I read people complaining about Critchley's voice I think they are unwilling to change their mind despite the evidence available that proves he is doing a good job.  The Blackpool support may have a problem with him, but I think he has conducted himself brilliantly since he arrived, managing 8 games in December, injuries to important players, and never once complaining, instead focusing on managing the situation.  Will we successful with him at the helm?  I don't know, but I do know that he has us playing a style of football that I am enjoying, and the prospect of someone like Derek McInnes sending out a Hearts side to play the way his Killie team did yesterday fills me with dread.

I'm with you 100%. The facts don't lie and with reinforcements we are in a good position to move up the league into the top 6. As we where relegation fodder when he came in that is no bad at all. Folk going on about his voice are just weird....talk about looking for problems where there aren't any.

The style of football he has us playing is indeed entertaining, but we need to tighten up on consistency and defensively we look week without Halket. Steinwender will hopefully hit the ground running...

Anyway, we are moving in the right direction under Neil, and for that I am truly grateful.

[Gizmo]

1 hour ago, Ex member of the SaS said:

Heard him speak many times and he does not have the type of commanding voice I feel is required to get players motivated. For example a Fergie type do what I say or else.

It's a boomer mentality to think the manager must have a hairdryer voice and split player's faces open with flying boots to command respect. 

This is 2024, that is probably both illegal and counter-productive to a modern mentality. 

There are many ways to garner respect and whilst we are not the finished article, the players clearly work hard for the head coach and our form is improved. Performances, Critchley knows we have a way to go but right now, it's points first. It has to be.

I like the way he speaks, honest, as open as he can be and generally on the money and always positive. 

[tynewater]

1 hour ago, Gizmo said:

It's a boomer mentality to think the manager must have a hairdryer voice and split player's faces open with flying boots to command respect. 

This is 2024, that is probably both illegal and counter-productive to a modern mentality. 

There are many ways to garner respect and whilst we are not the finished article, the players clearly work hard for the head coach and our form is improved. Performances, Critchley knows we have a way to go but right now, it's points first. It has to be.

I like the way he speaks, honest, as open as he can be and generally on the money and always positive. 

What on earth is a "boomer mentality"? Do you think everyone who was born between 1946 and 1964 has the same outlook on life? I'm a boomer and am delighted with how Critchley is doing. I was one of those who was positive about his appointment right from the start. There's no age group that's got a monopoly on zoomers. Oh, and by the way, this is 2025. 

[G McJambo]

1 hour ago, TuckerCarlsonsToupee said:

By this point last season Lawrence Shankland had scored 16 goals.  Since Critchley arrived we have played, I think, 16 games and Shankland has scored, I think, two goals.  With the same squad that Naismith had, minus certain players being unfit, and minus a striker scoring 16 goals, he has led the team to third in the form league, taken us from two points adrift at the foot of the table to nine points off that position, and to within 4 points of the top six.  It is worth noting too that the "eye test" indicates that all of this is being done while playing a far less negative style of football.  Now we have new players arriving to freshen, and strengthen, the first team squad it isn't unreasonable to think that further improvement is coming.

The criticisms of Critchely stemmed, largely, from the fact that a more attractive option, Hogmo, appeared to have been blocked by someone at the club and came when our form was its worst since Critchley arrived.  I don't know the truth of the Hogmo situation, but I do know that I have enjoyed spells in all of the matches Critchley has been in charge for...and with a little bit more quality in those spells we would have many more points on the board, away to Rangers, at home to Killie, even at home to Celtic, very few would argue we were not worth more from those matches than we took.  Does a team with Kabangu, Kartum, McCart, and Steinwender draw with Petrocub?  Maybe.  If my aunty had balls and all that.

When I read people complaining about Critchley's voice I think they are unwilling to change their mind despite the evidence available that proves he is doing a good job.  The Blackpool support may have a problem with him, but I think he has conducted himself brilliantly since he arrived, managing 8 games in December, injuries to important players, and never once complaining, instead focusing on managing the situation.  Will we successful with him at the helm?  I don't know, but I do know that he has us playing a style of football that I am enjoying, and the prospect of someone like Derek McInnes sending out a Hearts side to play the way his Killie team did yesterday fills me with dread.

Excellent post! 

[Gizmo]

19 hours ago, tynewater said:

What on earth is a "boomer mentality"? Do you think everyone who was born between 1946 and 1964 has the same outlook on life? I'm a boomer and am delighted with how Critchley is doing. I was one of those who was positive about his appointment right from the start. There's no age group that's got a monopoly on zoomers. Oh, and by the way, this is 2025. 

Sure sound like a boomer. 

[Luckies1874]

On 26/01/2025 at 14:22, Ex member of the SaS said:

Heard him speak many times and he does not have the type of commanding voice I feel is required to get players motivated. For example a Fergie type do what I say or else.

Seem pretty motivated! 

 

On 19/01/2025 at 20:13, Chris#9 said:

Hibs, County and Europe are still massive black marks for me. I dont really see a style of play if im honest. We have one pattern of play down the left. 
 

failing to address what everyone could see v hibs was worrying(3v2 in midfield). Poor subs at times too

 

I think he needs a statement win/performance 

 

 

How about that statement?! 

[InternationalJambo]

2 minutes ago, Luckies1874 said:

Seem pretty motivated! 

 

How about that statement?! 

Get them telt luckie😎

[ecky92]

Hope to **** he’s got a 3 piece suit on when he lifts that Scottish cup 😳

[bloomtime]

Hes not a shouty type manager but his assistant is, defo best we have played in a very long time. He seems a good bloke but early days but great to have hearts team with bit pace again and striker who can finish.

[Gambo]

Got it spot on today. 
 

Got the team playing for each other.

[Australis]

After the shambles Naismith left him, a big thank you and well done Neil for putting some spirit, guts, fight and pride back into our club.

 

The football was fantastic today and so enjoyable.

 

Got the JTs on a good run, and it's exciting football to watch.

 

 

[Ron Burgundy]

19 minutes ago, Gambo said:

Got it spot on today. 
 

Got the team playing for each other.

Tactics were perfect. Go long if needed to avoid the press rather than pissing about and getting ourselves into bother. Kabangus pace is a great out ball. Add in that there were zero passengers today and it made for a great all round performance. 

[CostaJambo]

2 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Tactics were perfect. Go long if needed to avoid the press rather than pissing about and getting ourselves into bother. Kabangus pace is a great out ball. Add in that there were zero passengers today and it made for a great all round performance. 

And Grant nowhere near the pitch.

[JamboGee92]

1 hour ago, Australis said:

The football was fantastic today and so enjoyable.

 

 

If Forrest squared the ball in the 2nd half after that exchange with Penrice down the left... would have been one of the goals of the season in the entire league. It was like watching Brazil 🤣

[jtkb]

Critch is slowly putting pride back in Hearts after a shit show by SN. Well done critch take a 🙇‍♂️ 

[EH11 2NL]

Doing a great job. Took over a team that couldnt create let alone score, and couldn't stop conceding. We're scoring for fun now and have stopped leaking goals, new players to come in and some better players to come back. Really looking forward to next season with a fresh start. 

[GinRummy]

Full credit to him. The Critchley league table doesn’t lie. I thought his line up today was wrong BUT I was miles wrong and kudos to the Critch. 

Edited February 1, 2025 by GinRummy

[Ministryofdad]

Ive had my doubts. Ive been skeptical. 

I've been proven wrong. 

We need to convert this into silverware 

[the posh bit]

Great post match interview with lots of nicknames. Boy's a legend in the making. 

[Tynecastle Valhalla]

Proven me wrong to be fair - long may that continue !

 

still sore about Europe but hey ho 

 

doing v well 

 

 

[jamboinglasgow]

He is doing a good job.

 

As much as anything I do think we are seeing the benefit of Critchley having time during the week to work with the players. I do think you are seeing quite a few players develop in recent weeks.

[edramone]

May the line for the Critchley Conga continue to grow

[JamboGee92]

Who is Craigie Jambo on here btw? Not Critchley's biggest fan by the sound of it!

 

https://avftt.co.uk/index.php?threads/hearts-fans-not-happy.58582/page-4

 

 

Edited February 2, 2025 by Arthur Morgan

[JamboGee92]

Like c'mon, how can you not give the manager credit for a 6-0 win away from home? Even the Blackpool fan is stating this ffs! 😂

 

Even though I have been critical of him around that tough period we endured, I can't deny the improvement we have seen in recent weeks. He sounds gutted that Critchley has turned things around. 

Edited February 2, 2025 by Arthur Morgan

[i8hibsh]

Moussey

Spitz

Penny

Craigy

Halks

Shanks

 

 

What others?

 

[Skacelsid]

We all had our doubts, rage for some "Neil who". Nobody could have came in and done better tho. I am enjoying Hearts again, we are playing to win, not a contain, keep ball and not lose going right back to Cathro. We play quicker therefore we are fitter, pass and move, movement is much better, we now shoot when we get the chance, not looking to play a safe pass to a static teammate, the game is in front of us not to the side or back. Getting the best out of players and not moulding them to suit a pass the buck possession system.

[leipzig76]

Came out of Dens yesterday with my mate and we looked at each other and went....

Long time since we've felt like that after a game !

[Valois No1]

Critchley is doing just fine. One or two rubbish results ofcourse but we aren’t Real Madrid. He has done a very solid job. 

[tartofmidlothian]

28 minutes ago, Skacelsid said:

We all had our doubts, rage for some "Neil who". Nobody could have came in and done better tho. I am enjoying Hearts again, we are playing to win, not a contain, keep ball and not lose going right back to Cathro. We play quicker therefore we are fitter, pass and move, movement is much better, we now shoot when we get the chance, not looking to play a safe pass to a static teammate, the game is in front of us not to the side or back. Getting the best out of players and not moulding them to suit a pass the buck possession system.

 

👍

[JimmyCant]

[RENE]

2 minutes ago, JimmyCant said:

Love it.😁

[JimmyCant]

[jambo19]

Interesting listening to Elton post match about how both his goals were worked on in training. Good to hear and positive it's then coming together in games. 

At the start of the season we were so slow in possession and only had 2 attackers (1 being either Forrest or Vargas). Nobody was sure where the goals were coming from. Big improvement under NC

[SectionN]

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

[Nelly Terraces]

Beat Kilmarnock. Smashed Dundee.

 

THANK YOU NEIL. 

[pettigrewsstylist]

3 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

Some neck on the boy. His "refelction" comments (if quotes are accurate), when asked about any interest in Motherwell gig sound like bitterness and a lack of self awareness. 

[pettigrewsstylist]

If NC can negotatiate into next round of SC and a home win over Sevco he will be flying!

Unimaginable a few short weeks ago. 

Really hope he can get Steinwinder and Kartum bedded in before they visit Tynie.

[Sub4TiddlerMurray]

3 hours ago, jambo19 said:

Interesting listening to Elton post match about how both his goals were worked on in training. Good to hear and positive it's then coming together in games. 

At the start of the season we were so slow in possession and only had 2 attackers (1 being either Forrest or Vargas). Nobody was sure where the goals were coming from. Big improvement under NC

 

100%

[GinRummy]

As convincing a win as we’ve seen in many a year. Well done Critchley and the squad. 

[OTT]

3 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

 

Really is a complete lack of awareness from Naisy. Yes we have bodies, no we didn't have quality. 

 

Just because you have strikers, doesn't make them good strikers  

 

Elton is what we've needed since Gino left. 

[Australis]

4 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

Notice that he seems not to be interested or linked with any other managerial jobs.

 

Telling everyone what they are doing wrong on sportscene is where he is at now.

 

Money for auld rope.

 

 

 

[Horatio Caine]

4 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

Absolutely!  I had exactly the same thought.

[JimmyCant]

4 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

One Stevie…….JUST ONE OPTION…….and you’d probably still be in a job

[DG_HMFC]

4 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

 

He's a feckin idiot. 

[Dougie Masterton]

11 hours ago, Arthur Morgan said:

Who is Craigie Jambo on here btw? Not Critchley's biggest fan by the sound of it!

 

https://avftt.co.uk/index.php?threads/hearts-fans-not-happy.58582/page-4

 

 

It doesn’t take a genius to work out who that is. 

[Dr Lager]

5 hours ago, SectionN said:

Nearly spat my beer out last night watching Naismith on sportscene say that Hearts have a lot of options upfront now with Elton arriving.

 

Zero self awareness that he was the one that left us so short.

 

Fud

He’s got no shame. Wittering on in that irritating watered down weegie whining voice. And utterly clueless when he was in the job himself. Probably guaranteed a lifetime job as a pundit 

[MR INCREDIBLE]

Keep it going Critchers !!