\n<\/p>\n
There is no doubt McInnes was good for Hearts, but the relationship worked both ways.<\/p>\n
Player identification via Jamestown helped him build a side capable of challenging for the title and, as a result, further enhanced his reputation.<\/p>\n
He is now gone, so where do Hearts go from here?<\/p>\n
The club and its fans may feel battered and bruised, but in a matter of weeks, Hearts will be preparing for a Champions League qualifying campaign.<\/p>\n
There may yet be further changes. Devlin has still to decide whether his future lies in Edinburgh, while forward Claudio Braga’s outstanding season is unlikely to have gone unnoticed elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Hearts’ achievements last term attracted attention far beyond Scotland and, with Champions League football on offer, there is unlikely to be any shortage of interest in the vacant head coach position.<\/p>\n
McGlynn remains highly regarded by some within the club and is believed to have been a strong contender for the role 12 months ago.<\/p>\n
Several new signings will arrive for pre-season training and the dressing room will have a very different look and feel.<\/p>\n
Shankland, centre-back Frankie Kent, Baningime and veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon have all departed, while Devlin could yet follow. <\/p>\n
They are all influential figures, while centre-half Craig Halkett is unlikely to feature before Christmas after suffering another long-term injury.<\/p>\n
Whoever succeeds McInnes faces a significant challenge, with rebuilding confidence, belief and leadership within the squad among the immediate priorities.<\/p>\n
Last season’s Hearts side set a benchmark for those who follow. Whether a new head coach and a reshaped squad can match – or even surpass – what was an extraordinary campaign is undoubtedly a difficult challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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