A last-ditch reconstruction proposal still offers Hearts some hope of a Premiership reprieve, with Ann Budge expected to make her plea to other clubs this week.
But the likelihood is that the Jambos will have to begin planning for another stint in the Championship, five years after escaping the second tier in style under Robbie Neilson, who ironically will pass them on the way up with Dundee United.
As to when the action will finally begin is still anyone’s guess, but Hearts will still need to plan ahead. A new manager could well be top of the list should Daniel Stendel ’s relegation break clause be activated, but whoever’s in charge will have some changes to make on the park.
Steven Naismith and Liam Boyce have already intimated they’ll stay put, which would be an impressive strike force a level up, but additions will be required elsewhere for a title tilt.
Money will be tight across the game with all clubs feeling the coronavirus crunch, but there will be options out there that could prove shrewd additions at Tynecastle.
Craig Gordon
Goalkeeper was a problem position last season. Joel Pereira’s loan from Manchester United wasn't much short of disastrous, with the Portuguese’s inability to keep the ball out of the net proving costly.
Zdenek Zlamal is an improvement, but isn’t averse to errors himself, while injured Colin Doyle has barely been seen.
A deal for Gordon could, and in hindsight perhaps should, have been done in January but Stendel opted against bringing the want-away Celtic ‘keeper back to his boyhood club.
However, a year’s contract to help Hearts back to the top flight with perhaps the carrot of a coaching role down the line could suit all parties now.
Vaclav Hladky
The St Mirren keeper has impressed for the Buddies and was a big factor in why Jim Goodwin’s men were clear of the bottom of the table when the curtain came down prematurely.
Whether he’d want to drop down a level is doubtful, especially as the Czech is likely to have more lucrative offers from elswhere.
Stephen Hendrie
Aaron Hickey’s emergence has been one of the few positives for the Jambos over the last year.
The teenager is a man in demand however and with a mooted new contract not appearing any closer to being signed, cashing in this summer could be the sensible option.
Aidy White’s injury problems mean another left back will be needed even if he stays, and Hendrie could be a solution.
The former Hamilton starlet’s career has stalled somewhat since a move to West Ham five years ago, but he's still only 25 and no stranger to the Scottish game after recent spells at Motherwell and current club Kilmarnock, where his contract is up soon.
Clevid Dikamona
A familiar face but would technically be a new addition after he agreed to cancel his contract earlier this year during pay cut negotiations.
A popular figure with teammates and fans, Dikamona proved effective back-up at centre-back and made it clear his preference would be to return to Edinburgh when possible, although that may depend on which of the current centre backs on the books are retained.
Jason Holt
The technically gifted midfielder came through the ranks at Tynecastle and was part of the squad the last time Hearts went down.
He couldn’t force his way into Robbie Neilson’s plans however and moved to Rangers after a loan spell at Sheffield United. Holt featured under Mark Warburton before being farmed out to Fleetwood Town and spent last season at St Johnstone.
Holt may feel he has a point to prove at Tynecastle, with forward thinking players in the middle of the park in short supply.
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