January transfer business: a Hearts fan's assessment

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David Templeton©SNS Group

Fans of SPL clubs have now assessed their squads after the dealings of the January transfer window.

In January we asked fans what they hoped for from the window, now we see if their teams delivered. Mike Smith, author of Follow the Hearts, guides us through his team's dealings.

How do you think your club did in the January window? Was there one standout piece of business that your team made during the window?

Hearts underachieved during the transfer window - by that, I mean not enough players left Tynecastle for Vladimir Romanov's liking! It was widely anticipated David Templeton would head to Rangers but it seems the Bluenoses are in an even worse financial plight than Hearts. Marian Kello seems to have ended his Tynecastle career by refusing to go to Rapid Vienna and thus incur the wrath of Vlad....

Is there one player that you are pleased that your team managed to keep hold of during January?

I am pleased Hearts have kept David Templeton but this is tainted by the near certainty 'Temps' will be off in the summer. I'm also delighted Rudi Skacel is still around for a few more months

Which team, other than your own, looks stronger after the January window? Any that anyone else made that you'd have fancied?

I can't say any other team look particularly stronger after the window. Hibernian appear to have approached Hearts shirts sponsors Wonga.com for some loan deals but I suspect none of them will make that much difference at the Two Stands Too Many Stadium...

Has the business that your team has done changed your expectations for the season?

As for expectations, 44 years as a Hearts supporter has told me never to have high expectations...

Do you think the business your team did during the window will help or hinder crowds at your home games?

Similarly for the size of attendances at Tynecastle - Hearts have always been a selling club, you can go as far back as 1959 for when Dave Mackay was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £30,000 for evidence of that. It was always thus - fans will continue to follow the team.

You can follow Mike on Twitter, or read his thoughts on his blog. You can buy his book now.