BBC NEWS: Michael Stewart doubles down on Hearts Neil Critchley assessment amid data doubts.

Neil Critchley listened to all the sceptics following his Hearts appointment and answered in style with a 4-0 home win on his debut.

The Jambos improved significantly, easily defeating St Mirren and moving off the bottom of the table, even surpassing rivals Hibs.

Although second bottom is not the desired outcome, the former QPR and Blackpool manager is off to a good start. However, supporters are concerned about a situation involving Lawrence Shankland.

They face Cypriots Omonia in the Conference League on Thursday, followed by the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road on Sunday.

Stewart remains unimpressed by Hearts’ appointment of Critchley.

The announcement of Critchley as the new manager sparked mixed reactions among Hearts fans.

However, some people chose to give the new man the benefit of the doubt and their support. There was also a belief that they needed to trust the process of Tony Bloom’s data analytics, which the club employed in their manager search.

Winning 4-0 in your first game in charge will go a long way towards winning people over, as has been the case.

Former club captain Michael Stewart remains sceptical.

Speaking to the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, he stated: “The entire performance was significantly better. That’s what’s required. Let’s not mince words: Neil Critchley’s appointment is uninspiring.

“And the only what that he’s going to gain more support, trust and belief is by getting results.”

Hearts and data analytics are not failsafe.

When asked if he and Hearts fans should trust the process and analytics to find the best candidate, Stewart remained sceptical.

He said, “Yeah, but you need to look at ‘what is the information that is being put into the analytics?'” You cannot just abdicate all responsibility and acquit yourself of any influence by saying, “Well, the computer says that.”

“The point is, when you look at his track record, it’s uneven at best. So when you look at the big picture, that’s why I say it’s disappointing. He was fired from Blackpool after two league games this season and has found a better job, so congrats, and he’ll love it.

“But from Hearts’ standpoint, it’s a dangerous appointment, and it comes at a time when Hearts want stability, so this is, to some extent, a risky appointment. Make no mistake: Saturday’s result was momentous.

“I don’t get up and down about football. I’m underwhelmed. “I’m waiting to see what happens.”

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