ONE MAN AND HIS GOG

Tour with Tynie kitman shows boss Neil scale of task ahead

- FRASER WILSON

IT only took a 20-minute car journey with legendary kitman Gordon Hearts Paterson for Neil Critchley to fully understand the scale of what lies ahead in the next four days.

Nine days into the job and the Englishman is preparing for his European debut against Omonia Nicosia at a sold-out Tynecastle in the Conference League.

He'll barely have time to catch his breath before making the trip north east across the city to Easter Road for his first taste of the Edinburgh derby.

As whirlwind starts go, it's as fierce as the most blustery winter afternoon on Princes Street.

But this is what Critchley says he came to the capital for.

This is why the former QPR and Blackpool boss claimed last week it is the biggest management job he's had.

And he was left in no doubt after travelling from their Oriam training centre to Tynecastle with the man affectionately known as Gogs around Gorgie that win the next two and he'll go down a storm with punters.

Critchley said: "I actually drove from the training ground down here with the kitman because he was kind enough to give me a lift.

"He gives me a guided tour of the football club and the history of the club - brilliant company. And when you pull up at the ground, you do have those moments when you think.

'Wow, this ain't bad'.