Derek McInnes has praised Heart of Midlothian's summer recruitment ahead of Kilmarnock's visit to Tynecastle tomorrow night.
The Killie boss admits he tried to sign Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice in the summer when all three players left their previous clubs at the end of their contracts.
However, the 53-year-old conceded that when Hearts flexed their financial muscle over Killie, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
"Hearts were very good last season under Steven [Naismith]," McInnes said. "They got the reward of European football.
"They made some good signings. I think everybody acknowledged that, particularly from our own league.
"Penrice, Dhanda and Spittal were all signings that I would've taken. They were three players that I asked about and that I tried to get. They were all seen as good signings.
"Obviously, their lack of results at the start of the season was a shock to everybody. I still think it was harsh for Steven to lose his job given he'd done so well, but such is the game.
"A new manager has come in and he's made little, subtle changes in terms of the selection and the way they're playing. Having watched a couple of their games, you have to say they've done very well. The win in Europe and the win against St Mirren was very convincing."
Read more
-
Neil Critchley speaks on Andres Salazar situation and squad rotation process
-
Beni Baningime update as Neil Critchley explains chances of Hearts return
-
James Wilson on staying at Hearts, contract hope, lucky bandage and PE assignment
Meanwhile, McInnes has cracked down on needless transgressions in training to steer Kilmarnock away from their red card repercussions.
Midfielder Liam Donnelly was sent off for picking up two yellows in the 2-1 defeat by Ross County in Dingwall at the weekend – the first for kicking the ball away and the second for a foul – and it was the fifth time this season Killie have finished a game with 10 men.
Captain Kyle Vassell revealed the Rugby Park players are fined for committing “silly fouls” in training and McInnes, without the suspended Donnelly and defender Stuart Findlay (groin) for the trip to Hearts on Wednesday night, expanded on the issue, while questioning the consistency of decisions.
