Jamestown under pressure as Hearts need key signings

When Tony Bloom first introduced Hearts officials to Jamestown Analytics’ algorithms more than two years ago, he wanted a partnership specifically for this kind of scenario.

- by Barry Anderson

A combination of injuries, expiring contracts and Rangers’ plundering leaves Riccarton somewhat ransacked of leading characters with pre-season starting next week. Jamestown, the London-based recruitment firm, shoulders the pressure of finding replacements.

The spine has been ripped out of Hearts’ team by the departures of head coach Derek McInnes, captain and principal goalscorer Lawrence Shankland, influential midfielder Beni Baningime, and possibly his partner-in-crime Cammy Devlin. Factor in ruptured Achilles tendons for both dominant defender Craig Halkett and loanee midfielder Marc Leonard - the latter now returned to parent club Birmingham City - and there is serious replenishing work to be done.