Smash the window or you'll be heading for door

HEARTS' entire season hinges on the next few weeks. It's make or break. The January window could be the gateway back to Europe if they get it right. Get it wrong and that door will slam shut.

- BY SCOTT BURNS

But I reckon if Neil Critchley can secure a fourth successive season in Europe it would be an even bigger accomplishment than Steven Naismith finishing third in the last campaign.

Look at all he's had to deal with - where the side were sitting when he took over, the scrutiny on him as he's tried to implement his style, the back-lash to not qualifying for the Conference League play-offs. It would be huge if he won another crack at Europe through the league or Scottish Cup.

But the next few weeks are massive if he's to do that. Winning their last two games is a huge boost and has moved them right up the form table. But right now that's just a sticking plaster covering massive holes in the squad.

Critchley must have gone through December thinking if he doesn't get bodies in during the first week of January he could be in serious trouble.

They've done that with two signings that have galvanised the squad and also shown the fans that they are on the ball. But they need more.

But it's not just the manager who should be under scrutiny. This is a huge window for new sporting director Graeme Jones to show his worth.

The jury is out on the whole recruitment process - super-computer or no supercom- puter. And if I was Hearts manager right now I'd be targeting players I know and can trust because if they don't sign well it won't be Jones losing his job - it will be Critchley.