On the other hand, Oisin McEntee has performed admirably at right-back, but with the player contracted as a midfielder, it is not viewed as a long-term answer either.

Michael Steinwedner, a centre-back, has deputised there, while Christian Borchgrevink has struggled with injuries and has yet to get into the starting lineup since his comeback.

“Every window counts to us. “I know that applies to every club, but every window is important to us,” Jones added. “We brought in a lot of guys over the summer because we needed to. We didn’t get to balance the books as much in terms of player departures.

“For January, trust me, there aren’t as many [coming in], but there are still areas we want to improve, and we’re actively seeking to do so. We also have to consider a bloated squad. So there’s some give and take. “We certainly have Islam Chesnokov coming in as well.

That’s exciting, and the more proof we have on him, the more excited we are about it. So we intend to remain active in January, albeit not as active as we were in the summer, but it all depends on what is achievable and keeping the harmony that we are currently experiencing within the team.”

In terms of specific positions Hearts want to reinforce, Jones said: “It’s really what’s been documented, what a lot of people have detailed, but I think the Chesnokov is the most important one for us in that regard.” Key members of the starting lineup this season are out of contract at the end of the season.

Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlina, and Beni Baningime all have contracts that will expire. Craig Gordon, who has not featured for Hearts this season but has helped Scotland qualify for the World Cup during the recent international break, is also out of contract. As is Alan Forrest.

“We have quite a few, so the discussions are ongoing. I’m not going to get into the specifics of who, what, and where they are, but these are all continuing processes to ensure that we have the greatest squad possible heading into next season,” Jones added.

Much has been said about Hearts’ relationship with Jamestown Analytics. It is described as a game changer and is utilised for recruitment, player evaluation, and opponent analysis.

Jones communicates with it on a regular basis and serves as the firm’s only point of contact. He speaks passionately about its qualities, emphasising its neutrality, which he aspires for in his own writing.

The sporting director dealing with Jamestown enables McInnes and the rest of the management team to concentrate on what is most important: the product on the pitch.

The head coach has already commented positively about the extra time it gives him compared to previous clubs he has coached.

That was music to Jones’ ears. “We are quite fortunate. “I know Jamestown better than most people do and what it can offer us,” he explained. “It’s a very unique and beneficial tool for our club. It is really a good thing for us.

“Being the only point of contact makes things a lot easier for everyone. Derek and I communicate every day.

Our offices are immediately next to each other, and we talk every day about everything. “Recruitment is part of it. I also speak to Jamestown almost every day. “We are continually working to improve.

We aspire to improve as a club year after year, to achieve consistent success that fits our ambition. Every day, Derek and I talk about the present and the future, which is the conduit to what Jamestown will generate for us.

Jones continued, “They don’t produce anything we don’t ask for. As we witnessed with the January and summer transfer windows, they can provide insight into players who may not be considered as potential success stories in the Scottish league.

“Jamestown allows us to be, in my opinion, ahead of the game while also gaining a unique insight into what will be successful in Scotland.” It gives me great confidence that we will continue to succeed year after year.

“I interact with it every day and that relationship between Derek, myself and Jamestown is the most important in terms of first-team recruitment.”

The current state of play contrasts sharply with the end of last season, when Jones was only six months into the job. Hearts were managerless, having just finished a run of bottom-six games.

Hearts have made a strong start to the season thanks to a new head coach and some strategic signings. Ensuring a positive relationship between the manager and the sporting director might be critical. It is one that, in Jones’ words, the club is “on the money” with.

“As sporting director, my role is to provide support for Derek and the players, allowing Derek to field the most competitive side possible. “He’s the manager, he’ll coach the team, and he’ll keep the team running,” Jones stated.

“I can handle everything else Derek used to have to do on his own in Aberdeen or Kilmarnock.” He’s told me several times that he now has so much more time to focus just on football concerns.

“To me, that’s fantastic because it shows we’re working much more efficiently. I can block out a lot of the buzz surrounding recruitment, player availability, agents, and other related topics.

“Then Derek’s role is in the specific and critical aspect of choosing what fits, what will be effective within our alternatives, and then allowing me to support, ideally, bringing these players in.

Then it is up to Derek to manage them and form a team out of them. “That is where I believe the club has nailed it. It is prioritising the many areas. Derek’s time is prioritised, so he can devote his complete attention to leading the team.

My primary focus is on ensuring that the system that supports him is as effective and efficient as possible.”Having a single point of contact is nothing out of the ordinary for Jamestown or any other team.

My first goal is to maintain ties on both sides and recruit the best players possible. “I’ll also present the most objective assessment of our team’s performance and incorporate it into Derek’s thinking. All of this impacts his decisions and team management.”

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