Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson has expressed his concern that the club’s focus on analytics and challenging the Old Firm is misplaced, given their current struggles on the pitch. With only two points from eight league games, Stevenson believes the team’s priority should be avoiding relegation rather than dreaming of title challenges.
Stevenson’s comments come after Tynecastle chief Andrew McKinlay revealed the club’s new analytics tool, which he hopes will help them compete with Celtic and Rangers in the future. However, Stevenson thinks this focus is misguided, given the team’s precarious position in the league. He argues that trying to emulate Brighton’s data-driven approach is admirable but not relevant when the team is struggling to stay afloat.
Stevenson’s frustration is palpable as he emphasizes the severity of Hearts’ situation. He can’t understand why McKinlay is talking about splitting the Old Firm when the team is on the brink of relegation. Stevenson’s message is clear: fix the immediate problems before worrying about long-term ambitions.
The reality is that Hearts are staring relegation in the face, and Stevenson can’t see how the new analytics tool will change that. He thinks the focus should be on getting points on the board and climbing the table, not on grandiose plans to challenge the Old Firm. Stevenson’s words are a wake-up call to the club’s leadership to reassess their priorities and address the pressing issues at hand.
In conclusion, Stevenson’s comments highlight the disconnect between Hearts’ ambitions and their current reality. The club needs to focus on survival before dreaming of glory. By acknowledging the severity of their situation and addressing the immediate challenges, Hearts can begin to build a stronger foundation for future success.