Critchley urges Hearts to 'stand up' - but how deep are their troubles?
Briefly

Neil Critchley has urged his Heart of Midlothian players to unite and show resilience after their disappointing exit from the Conference League, emphasizing the need for a collective response to their dire performance against Petrocub, a club they were expected to beat. As they approach a challenging festive schedule, the pressure mounts on Critchley and his squad to improve their standings, facing growing impatience from fans who expect far better results.
Allan Preston expressed grave concerns about Hearts’ trajectory, highlighting their precarious position at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership and their alarming record of only four wins in Critchley’s 14 matches. He pointed out that despite their rich history, the club is simply not meeting expectations this season, suggesting that relegation could be a real threat. He emphasized the importance of results in the business of football and how fans deserve better performances.
Critchley's ability to motivate his players is under scrutiny, with Preston remarking on the fans' doubts about whether he can inspire a turnaround in fortunes. He acknowledged the need for patience and support for Critchley, but made it clear that the reality of football management is that results are paramount. With the team's lackluster performance resulting in a troubling draw against a lesser opponent, there are fears the players might not be responding to Critchley’s leadership.
The atmosphere at Tynecastle has been increasingly negative, with criticism directed at the team following their draws and losses, particularly after the recent defeat to a Kilmarnock side down to ten men. Fans are beginning to lose faith, as Preston suggested that should results not improve, Critchley’s tenure could be short-lived. The team's lack of resilience and inability to rise to the occasion of crucial matches has left supporters disheartened.
Read at www.bbc.com
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