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The manager is always the one who pays the price. They are responsible for the team and therefore the buck stops at that. After all, it is a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to remove a manager than change the team.

Steven Naismith knew this. He had experienced it as a player and had the unfortunate experience as a head coach when Heart of Midlothian dismissed him and his coaching staff on Sunday.

The post-Naismith era begins on Saturday afternoon at Tynecastle Park when Hearts host Ross County.

The pressure, the focus, the expectation, the responsibility won't be on interim coach Liam Fox and his assistants, Angus Beith and Lee Wallace. It will be on the players.

It is a playing squad that has several individuals who have played a key role in delivering European football for three seasons running. At the same time, those same players have been part of a squad that has seen two managers sacked in less than 18 months.

Naismith struggled to formulate a plan to break teams down this campaign and a style that energised and excited the club's support while getting the best out of his squad. Before long negative momentum took hold, leading to eight consecutive defeats and a winless run of nine to start the campaign. There has never been a worse nine-game spell to start a season in the club's history.

Tomorrow's match is No.10. 

A Hearts side have never failed to win any of the opening 10 games of a season. Never.

It is on the players to ensure they don't continue to etch themselves into the history books of the football club. For the wrong reasons.

For all the criticism that landed at the feet of Naismith, a share of scrutiny deserves to be directed toward the players. Run down the first-team list, a lengthy list it is, and pick out those who have performed to or beyond the standard expected this season. It is slim pickings.

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Now, football is far from straightforward, far from linear. There are ups and downs. Players can find themselves in a rut and confidence can be impacted. In turn, they can play within themselves, second guess themselves, look for the safe way out or try not to be involved. They are human like the rest of us. Those doubts can take hold much easier when a group is experiencing the same difficulties.

They now have to pull themselves out of it as a group, with the help of Fox. 

Hearts fans have been understandably agitated and frustrated this season. It should be reiterated, this is the worst start to a season ever. But, as a whole, they have also been incredibly patient during games. They have backed the team across the country and abroad.

While it is easy and a wee bit cringe to talk about the fans as the best performer this season, it doesn't take away from the fact it is the truth. Because the team, individually and collectively, have been well below what is expected at Heart of Midlothian. Saturday requires those who are privileged to wear the maroon and white to stand up and deliver.