Do Hearts need ‘a personality’ or something else?

Being a bit of a character and having a skin thicker than the solid stone walls of Edinburgh Castle is one thing, but a football philosophy that backs it up is also required here.

The Gorgie side sit in the odd position of having a goal difference of zero. Five teams have scored more than them, while only Celtic, Rangers and Hibernian have conceded fewer goals.

Delving into the data, the stats show that Hearts don’t make the most of their possession and chances, something articulated with Lawrence Shankland’s goal tally sitting at a modest seven for the season.

While Hearts are eighth in the Premiership table, looking at the xG (expected goals) points table, the Tynecastle side should currently be fourth on 51 points.

“I think the message is clear for the players, playing a positive style,” said Forrest.

“Every player wants that, playing on the front foot, so it’s just about that for me, being positive and taking the game to teams.”

For caretaker Liam Fox, the mission for the new boss is simple.

“They need to win games first and foremost,” he said. “I know that sounds really simple, but it’s not for me to sit here and tell you what a Hearts manager is.

“It’s just finding what works for that group of players and that can take a wee bit of time.”