It’s December, four months into the season, and Hearts’ woes on the pitch continue. Since the arrival of new manager Daniel Stendel, the team have played three games and have lost all of them. Players, staff and fans are optimistic ahead of the Boxing Day derby against arch-rivals Hibs, but that too ends in a disappointing defeat and leaves Hearts lingering at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership league table.

The new year brings a much-needed break from games and an opportunity for Daniel Stendel to pull together a team that he is happy with. He kicks off the winter break by taking his current squad of players go-karting for some team bonding, trying to raise morale and confidence after their recent run of poor results. It’s also an opportunity for him to get to know his players and help him understand who has the character needed to get Hearts out of their current predicament.

Back at Tynecastle, the team there are dealing with the stresses and strains of the January transfer window. Head of HR Janine and finance director Jacqui work tirelessly throughout the month in a bid to bring in some fresh faces and meet Daniel’s demanding requirements. But with an already large squad, players need to leave to free up some cash. Several players are told the news no footballer wants to hear – they are surplus to requirements and free to move on.
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