Neil Critchley's start to life as Heart of Midlothian head coach has been relentless.

There was the whirlwind appointment. Announced on a Tuesday morning and unveiled the same afternoon.

The period leading up to his first game in charge against St Mirren has been the longest he's had on the training ground with his players. There were three games in eight days. There are another four in the next 12.

"At this moment in time, game after game after game, I'm basically living training ground, hotel, training ground, hotel," he revealed. "That's it.”

Critchley took some time out this week, alongside assistant Mike Garrity, to do some house hunting while being shown around the city by the head of football operations Clare Cowan on her day off. 

He said: “Some of the places we went to... I shouldn't say that, should I? Because the estate agents would kill me. No, some nice places.

"I've been warned of some of the places that I probably shouldn't go to as well. I've been here a couple of times before, with football.

"It's a lovely part of the world, isn't it? It's fantastic. I'll be looking to immerse myself into the area, the people and the culture."

Critchley has been able to get a feeling for the city and a better understanding of the club and everything that comes with being the head coach. 

There is the stature of it in the city, being a more recognisable figure and the feeling it can bring.

“I have to say, not that this is a good thing and not that I'm wanting this, but there's more recognition of who you are around here," he said. "You can sense the importance of the football club, the enormity of it. That old saying, goldfish bowl, if you like. I have felt that around the city.

"I want to say you're aware of how big the club is, but until you actually live it and feel it, it's different.

"I've really enjoyed living that in the last few weeks and getting to feel the club and the supporters and the size of it. It's given me such a good feeling. I have enjoyed that responsibility and long may that continue."

Critchley has quickly endeared himself to the club's support. He's done that through the way he has managed the team on the field, what he has said in the media and his engagement with the fan base, specifically the Gorgie Ultras. 

One of the complaints about Steven Naismith was that he would go up the tunnel, no matter if it was win, draw or lose. Critchley has done the opposite and could be seen hitting the badge as he applauded the away support at Easter Road after the 1-1 draw.

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“It's just passion," he said. "I love what I do and I can feel the meaning of this football club to the people. I want to come here and do everything I can to make this football club successful.

"When you're working with good people and you see the passion of the supporters, then there's no greater feeling than making people happy and proud of their football club. It's the best feeling.

"That's why I work every single day as hard as I can to try and bring success and happiness to the people of this football club.”

It has been quite the turnaround considering the feeling when it became apparent he was the frontrunner for the job. When Critchley was announced the buzzword was 'underwhelming'.

It is something the 46-year-old understood himself even if he didn't, and doesn't, seek out what is said in the media or on social media.

"I just concentrate on the things I can control," he said. "I'm aware of it. I think you have to be aware of some of it but that's outside noise, I can't control that. I can only control me, my feelings, the staff, the players and how we feel and how we prepare. The belief between us and the players. That's my focus."

He added: “I have to say they've been very polite and kind and wishing me all the best and good luck. It's been really heartwarming. I've really appreciated it.

“I understand, I've said before, it doesn't matter who’d be sitting here. Some people would agree and disagree or sit on the fence. 

“I’m not an ex-Hearts legend. I'm not a sexy foreign name. I understand that. I get all of that. But I'm confident in my ability and I know what I can bring to this football club.

"Giving the right people the right support, the right conditions and I've got that. So I'm really excited about what I can achieve here.”