Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the partnership with Jamestown Analytics which will see the club have exclusive use of the company's world leading football data analysis.

The club have already been using the data and analysis with it guiding the search for a new head coach which led to the appointment of Neil Critchley. Hearts have also been using it to prepare for the January transfer window with a striker the priority position.

New sporting director Graeme Jones, who starts his role on November 25, will, according to a Hearts statement, "lead on the football department’s integration of analytics into its work, which will aid not only the club’s player recruitment but will also enhance opposition analysis".

Jamestown Analytics work with a number of clubs around Europe, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium and Serie A outfit Como.

“There has been a lot of speculation about the coming together of Heart of Midlothian and Jamestown Analytics, so I am pleased that we are now able to officially announce our partnership and get the facts out in the open," the club's chief executive Andrew McKinlay told the official Hearts website.

“Jamestown Analytics’ reputation in footballing circles is second to none. It is no understatement when I say that they have made groundbreaking progress with clubs across Europe, so to be Scotland’s sole beneficiaries of their expertise is truly exciting.

“Already our football staff, soon to be under the guidance of Graeme, have been working with the data provided by Jamestown Analytics to plan for recruitment in January, next summer and beyond.

“I fully believe that the club will reap the benefits of embracing this modern, innovative approach to analytics and we couldn’t be prouder to be associated with Jamestown Analytics as we take Hearts into a new era.”

McKinlay, speaking to press in Baku ahead of Hearts' Conference League clash with Dinamo Minsk, expressed the benefits of the partnership and what it could do for the club.

Justin Said, managing director of Jamestown Analytics, added: “We are very selective about the clubs we want to work with, and we feel that Hearts is a good fit.

“We are looking forward to working with Graeme and his team and, hopefully, help them to deliver success.”