Off a terrible start to the league campaign, which was compounded by a miserable defeat to 10-man Kilmarnock on Sunday, Hearts had the chance to make European history against a club who had already been eliminated from the competition.
A win would have sealed progress to the knockout stages of the Conference League, but another concerning display resulted in a 2-2 draw against a side who have won just once in their history in Europe.
The atmosphere at Tynecastle was on the verge of becoming toxic as Crutchley’s men went into the break a goal down.
“A result like that, the fans will go to Critchley, he’ll be done,” Preston said at the break.
“There will be no comeback. It seems the players are not ready for it. The performance was rubbish, absolute rubbish.”
Although Hearts briefly turned it around, thanks to goals from 17-year-old James Wilson and Blair Spittal, a Petrocub penalty denied them becoming the first Scottish side outside the Old Firm since 2008 to reach the knockout stages of a European competition.
“We didn’t do enough” and “we can’t blame anyone else” was Critchley’s post-match outlook – and it was echoed by captain Laurence Shankland.
“We only have ourselves to blame,” the Scotland striker told TNT Sports. “The boys showed good character at times because it was hostile out there.
“But from there [winning] Position, we should really win the game. I didn’t feel the boys didn’t try or work hard, it was just a lack of quality.
“It hasn’t been there all season – it’s disappointing.”
With no more distractions from Europe after a disappointing exit, Hearts must now focus on pulling themselves away from relegation danger.
Three of their next four games come at Tynecastle, starting at St Johnstone on Saturday before an Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Boxing Day, but Preston are predicting a rough ride until conditions improve dramatically.
He added, “It wasn’t good enough this season.” “Some of these Hearts players seem to have lost their footing. They are not at the required level.
“A performance in the opening 45 minutes will see them relegated.”
