Season predictions: Pragmatism needed & Altena to shine

[BBC] Where will you finish in the league and why? Third place. After coming within three minutes of becoming top-flight champions for the first time in 66 years, you'd normally expect that side to be right in the mix again the following season. However, I don't see that being the case for Hearts. From a Hearts perspective, a third-place finish, a trip to Hampden in at least one cup competition - or even lifting a trophy - would represent a successful season. If we can also take at least 12 points from a possible 24 against the Old Firm, I'd consider that a strong campaign. Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be? I like the look of French midfielder Tom Renauld, who has been brought in to replace Cammy Devlin, while Malachi Fagan-Walcott has the task of filling the void at centre-back left by injured captain Craig Halkett. We need a frontman who can lead the line, give the team a focal point in attack, and provide a consistent goal threat to get us rocking and rolling. Presumably, we'll need to break our transfer record to find that player. Who that player might be is impossible to predict with Jamestown Analytics involved. If it were up to me, I'd be looking for an experienced striker who is physically imposing, possesses a burst of pace, and can link play effectively. A recent example in terms of profile would be former loanee Ellis Simms. What do you want from your manager this season? Pragmatism. I appreciate that this might sound at odds with Wouter Vrancken's philosophy of "organised chaos", but the first-leg defeat to Sturm Graz showed how quickly games can turn against you and how important it is to react decisively. We saw last season with Wilfried Nancy and Russell Martin you don't have the luxury of time to gradually implement a system or philosophy at one of Scotland's bigger clubs. Who will be the breakout star in your squad? Jordi Altena. The right-back position hasn't been properly settled since Michael Smith departed in the summer of 2023. Last season, Hearts frequently deployed Oisin McEntee, a central midfielder, and Michael Steinwender, a centre-half, in the role, while recognised right-back Christian Borchgrevink was largely overlooked by Derek McInnes. I think Vrancken will place greater value on what Altena can offer going forward and, over time, he could establish himself as the club's first-choice right-back ahead of Borchgrevink. Given the reported competition Hearts faced to sign him - including interest from Union Saint-Gilloise - I'm convinced there must be something special about him. What is your one major concern? That Hearts are entering the season underprepared. To be fair to the club, they moved quickly to appoint Vrancken after McInnes' departure, allowing him to arrive in time for pre-season. However, I still don't think the new head coach has had enough time to properly assess his squad. There are certain players who, based on current form, should not be automatic starters. My concern is Vrancken is being forced to learn about his squad during competitive matches rather than in a controlled pre-season environment. We saw last season how a strong start laid the foundation for Hearts' title challenge. My hope is that, two weeks from now, there isn't a cloud of negativity hanging over Vrancken and his team before they've truly had the chance to get going.