The Hearts in-tray awaiting Robbie Neilson when he starts work at Tynecastle next week

Robbie Neilson begins his second spell in charge of Hearts on Wednesday, 1 July. He finds himself in a familiar position having taken over a side recently relegated in his previous stint at Tynecastle.

Yet, the scenarios are completely different.

What are the issues and tasks facing him when he walks through the door?

Goalkeeper

Poll a large section of Hearts fans asking what Neilson’s priority should be and the likelihood is signing a goalkeeper will win by a landslide. Since Jon McLaughlin departed after just one season, there have been issues in that department. All three of Zdenek Zlamal, Colin Doyle and Joel Pereira have made errors across the past two campaigns.

No one has established themselves as the true No.1 at Tynecastle with the goalkeeping troubles a fine metaphor for the club’s struggles.

The signing of someone like Craig Gordon would be transformative. Hearts would be getting one of the best goalkeepers in Scotland. A genuine match winner. On top of that he is someone who knows the club inside out and will have a good relationship with Neilson having not only been team-mates at club level but international level as well.

A proven winner, Gordon would bring huge experience to the club and could be a very handy conduit between Neilson and the squad. In addition, his presence would be massive in the development of Harry Stone, someone the club rate highly.

Michael Smith position

Play the Northern Irishman at right-back and he excels. Move him into the middle and he excels. The same when fielded at left-back or in the middle of midfield. It is curious as to why he wasn’t tried in goals, such is his versatility and reliability.

Robbie Neilson will have a defensive headache this coming campaign. Christophe Berra has returned, Craig Halkett remains, John Souttar is on the mend and then there is Chris Hamilton ready to break through. It could be argued, though, that Smith is in fact the club’s best centre-back, and he has talked about his comfort there, namely playing as a sweeper, such is his reading of the game.

It wouldn’t be a bad move to build the defence around him. It would, however, mean a new first choice right-back.

As was seen in Neilson’s first spell, Callum Paterson provided attacking thrust from the position, something Sean Clare has shown capabilities of. Then there is also Jamie Brandon who is definitely in need of a run of games to prove his worth having signed a new deal.

Injury issue

Neilson’s mere presence isn’t enough to lift what many view as an injury hex around the club. The last couple of seasons have been a nightmare when it comes to serious injuries, niggles or strains. Levein, understandably, was regular in expressing his frustration with the club exploring different avenues as to why it has been so bad.

Some fans have queried pre-season training which at times has been a throwback with trips to Gullane and running the dunes, but that is probably too simplistic and just gives some another reason to criticise Levein.

In Neilson’s first spell, the first-team squad were largely robust. Osman Sow had injury niggles which has persisted throughout his career, while Soufian El Hassnaoui was hampered by injury.

Keeping players fit will be key to getting the team to hit top form.

Home hasn’t been where the heart is

Every team wants their home ground to be that ‘fortress’. In many a season it has been that way for Hearts with difficulties perpetuating away from Tynecastle.

Yet, as the team has struggled it has been reflected in the home form.

In the 48 home league games after the new Main Stand was erected, Hearts have won just 17 times in front of their fans. Contrast that to the 27 wins in the previous 48 home league matches. Defeats have risen from nine to 14.

Becoming reliable in Gorgie is key for progress.

The past two seasons has seen Ross County, Motherwell (twice), Hamilton (twice), St Johnstone (twice), Livingston (three times) and Kilmarnock (four times) all take points away from Tynecastle.

Plenty room for improvement.

Squad spirit

Anyone looking at the Hearts squad will know it is more than good enough to ease back into the Premiership. Neilson takes over a team which is much further forward than the one inherited in 2014 when replacing Gary Locke.

While it means there may be less room to overhaul, he does possess key components to be a success and build a team around.

The dreadful form across the last 20 months has sapped the spirit and confidence of the team, that is clear to see and something previous managers have mentioned.

Neilson’s arrival is sure to give many a lift with Jamie Walker and John Souttar having no doubt expressed their views to team-mates having been at the club during his first stint.

This is a team which needs a shot in the arm, and a bit of distance provided by the football shutdown could have been beneficial to reset and reinvigorate players.

There are a number of individuals who are no doubt talented but in clear need of on-field direction, including Walker.

Platform for youth

As was the case the first time around, Neilson takes over a squad which possesses players with plenty of potential. Only, this time around only one is a first-team regular, Aaron Hickey.

Continuing his development path his key, as his finding a path for Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald. Two exceptionally gifted youngsters who need a steer and the trust of a manager. Behind them is perhaps the most talented of academy players Connor Smith, emboldened by a productive loan spell at Cowdenbeath.

In front of those three are the likes of Andy Iriving, Euan Henderson and Lewis Moore who all made their own impact in 2019/20.

There is scope for this new-look Hearts to be built around youth.

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