Daniel Stendel gives Hearts transfer insight as he details significant learning curve

Daniel Stendel admits being so involved in the process of signing players is a learning experience for him.

The German made his first Hearts addition this week with the capture of Kosovan international Donis Advijaj on a deal until the end of the season.

The Jambos are still on the lookout for more new faces before the end of the window and Stendel will be the man running point.

It’s a different situation from previous club Barnsley, where the club’s recruitment department doing the bulk of the work when it came to strengthening the squad.

Previous boss Craig Levein, along with former assistant Austin MacPhee are still with the Tynecastle club and on hand to share the duties that will eventually be taken on by the sporting director Hearts plan on appointing.

However, Stendel has been the man working on getting deals done, which he feels has been beneficial in gaining an understanding of exactly what’s involved, even while trying to haul his team off the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table.

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"I was not involved as much as I was here,” he explained. “On one side it's been a good experience, especially when we don't have so much time, being near to the process is good for me.

“It's also new for me and we learn every time. I learn on the pitch every time and off the pitch, this is good for me.

“I know more about what's really happening and what the job is for sporting directors and those inside the club when it comes to signing or releasing players.

“It's always a gamble when you want to release players then you get players.

"I'm more involved in the process to bring players in."

Advijaj isn’t likely to be the only arrival this window, but Stendel didn’t want to put a number on how many more players he wants to sign.

He added:"I won't say we need three or four players, we need players that can help us. We need the right player, we can pay for him and he wants to come.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Hickey will miss tonight’s trip to Ross County through injury while Michael Smith is doubtful after both picked up knocks against Airdrie at the weekend.