The Challenges of the Jamestown Model at Hearts
At the heart of Tony Bloom’s philosophy for his clubs is a clear directive: supporters should not become overly attached to players. This approach, rooted in the Jamestown Analytics trading model, emphasizes the fluid nature of player transfers. Players can be sold quickly for significant profit, often with little time spent at the club before being moved on.
There are already several players at Hearts who may find themselves in this situation in the future. Among them are Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis. However, some players have formed strong emotional connections with the fans long before the Jamestown model came into play.
Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin are two such examples. Shankland joined Hearts in the summer of 2022, just a year after Devlin arrived from Australia. Over the next few years, both became vital members of the team. Now, their potential departures have raised questions among Hearts supporters about the club’s decision-making.
Shankland recently invoked a break clause in his contract to move to Rangers, while Devlin is set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer. Fans are questioning whether it was wise to lose two key players in such a manner.
The recent loss to Celtic Park on the final day of the season left deep scars on the club, as Hearts missed out on their first league title in 66 years. These wounds will take time to heal, especially given the incorrect refereeing decisions that went against Hearts during the run-in.
For fans, seeing Shankland in a Rangers jersey must have felt like salt in the wound. Their captain, talisman, and top striker, he left for what many consider a minimal fee to join a direct rival. This move has been seen as a devastating blow to the Tynecastle club.
There is nuance to the situation. From the club’s perspective, they argue that they managed to get one more year out of Shankland after he almost left for free last summer. That extra season saw him play a key role in the team’s near-title challenge.
It was only when Derek McInnes took charge last summer that he convinced Shankland to commit to a new deal. The contract was heavily weighted in Shankland’s favor, including a break clause that allowed him to leave for free after just 12 months.
Hearts got one more year out of him, but now he has moved to his boyhood club, Rangers. While this might seem like a win for both sides, it is hard to see it as anything other than a major setback for Hearts.
They should not have allowed Shankland to dictate the terms of the contract. If that meant he left for free last summer, so be it. Kevin Thelwell and Russell Martin had considered signing him 12 months ago but opted against it.
Devlin’s situation remains uncertain. The Australian midfielder is currently in Florida with his national team as they prepare for the World Cup. A return to America next season could be on the cards, with several MLS clubs interested in his signature.
Devlin has already received one concrete offer, and while Hearts have not given up hope of keeping him, he is weighing his options. Fans are right to question why a key player was allowed to let his contract run down in this way.
Hearts are making moves in the transfer market, with a six-figure deal being negotiated to sign Amadou Ba-Sy, a 6ft 3ins striker from French third-tier side Rouen. While he was linked with the club back in January, he may not be a direct replacement for Shankland.
Replacing their main goalscorer is a daunting task, and the same goes for finding another all-action midfielder if Devlin leaves.
James Wilson has returned from his loan spell at Tottenham, but with no contract extension on the table, it is expected that Hearts will look to sell him for whatever they can.
Winger Josh McPake has been signed from St Johnstone, and French midfielder Tom Renaud is set to arrive to strengthen the midfield.
Hearts fans were introduced to the Jamestown model gently last season, with players like Braga, Kyziridis, and Harry Milne making an impact. However, there was no real pressure or expectation on them.
Now, for the first time, Hearts and Jamestown are under pressure to replace key players. This is when we will truly see the fruits of the data-driven approach.
Bloom expressed disappointment over losing the league on the final day, but also vowed that Hearts will come back stronger next season. Whether they can do so hinges on Jamestown being able to find a couple of gems to replace key players.
This is now the acid test for the Jamestown model.
