Hearts underwent a transformation in the summer as head coach Derek McInnes and Tony Bloom's data analytics company, Jamestown Analytics, combined to reshape a squad that had struggled to impress the previous season.
James Penrice, Jorge Grant, and Barrie McKay all left for pastures new in pre-season, as Claudio Braga, Alexandros Kyziridis, and Stuart Finlay entered - and it has worked perfectly for the Jambos, who sit six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership at the halfway stage.
The likes of Barrie McKay, Kenneth Vargas, and Aiden Denholm also waved goodbye to Gorgie, and many of the club’s youngsters took an opportunity to move out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience. But while Hearts have been riding high at the top of the Scottish Premiership, what happened to those who moved on in the summer window?
Here we look at the 14 Hearts players who moved away from the club before the start of the new campaign, and assess how they have done for their new teams in the first half of the season. Who has found success away from Tynecastle - and who regrets their decision to leave?
5. Liam McFarlane - Alloa Athletic (loan)
The highly-rated Scotland Under-21's goalkeeper has made a real impression at the Indodrill Stadium this season, keeping six clean sheets in 14 matches. Currently fourth in League One, the 21-year-old stopper has been told he has all the attributes he needs to make it at the very highest level of the game by The Wasps manager Andy Graham after a string of impressive saves. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Andres Salazar - Atletico Nacional (return from loan)
Remember this guy? The Colombian left-back promised much but delivered nothing after arriving on loan from Atletico Nacional. Made just one appearance for the game club, against Motherwell, made a dodgy backpass and he was never seen again. Back in him homeland with his parent side, Salazar features regularly, though, he isn't a guaranteed starter. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Barrie McKay - Free agent
The tricky winger left upon the expiry of his contract in the summer but is yet to find a new club. After struggling with injuries in recent years, McKay is fit and "raring to go", saying "I just want to get back playing and enjoying my football again" in September. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Adam Forrester - St Johnstone (loan)
Having featured prominently for Hearts last season, the 20-year-old opted to move to McDiarmid Park to continue his progression and play regular senior minutes. Dropped out of the team in October, but made his return last month and has kept his place at right-back for Simo Valakari's side, who are five points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group