Most importantly, the club changed head coaches without much disruption. Hearts needed just over a week to bring in Wouter Vrancken following McInnes’ exit.
He has also managed to unlock the potential of players who had limited involvement last season, with Blair Spittal progressing from substitute to captain within only a few months.
Regarding the so-called ‘Jamestown players’, sporting director Graeme Jones was reportedly advised by his USG contacts that new arrivals could require six months to adapt.
Kerjota appears to have found his feet and is now competing for a place in the starting line-up after scoring his first goal for the club with the winner against Dundee.
Rogers Mato is also beginning to look dangerous from the bench. The winger arrived in January but made only one appearance during the previous campaign.
Midfielder Tomas Magnusson, recruited for approximately £35,000 last season, drew attention during the summer and has experienced a dramatic rise in value over his first year at the club.
Not every signing will succeed, however. Sander Kartum has already departed on a free transfer, Elton Kabangu has yet to feature in a matchday squad this season, while record arrival Ageu has made only seven appearances.
Nevertheless, the successful additions have comfortably outnumbered the unsuccessful ones, and Vrancken already appears to belong in the positive category.
“Supporters do not attend matches simply to see clean sheets; they want goals. With Hearts, they can expect chances and scoring opportunities at both ends,” Preston added.
“I appreciate how [Vrancken] communicates. He has excited the supporters, who are now firmly behind him following a challenging start. The football has been highly entertaining.”
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