If they are not going to engage with the fans then they should be monitoring forums and newspaper websites where fans can comment on stories. They need to know that appointing the likes of Hughes or MacPherson will not see fans flock back. It'll probably do the opposite and could be the final nail as far as many fans are concerned.
The Hearts game is in doubt, so they might have more time to either find a new manager, or for a new manager to get to grips with the squad before his first game.