Steven Naismith takes over as Hearts boss until end of season
Hearts have revealed that Steven Naismith will manage the team until the end of the season, following the sacking of Robbie Neilson
Last updated 10th Apr 2023
Steven Naismith is to take over as Hearts interim Manager until the end of the season.
It follows the sacking of Robbie Neilson yesterday (Sunday April 9).
READ MORE: Hearts sack Robbie Neilson
Naismith has been working behind the scenes at the club since retiring as a player, most recently coaching the B team - as well as coaching for Scotland under Steve Clarke.
Hearts posted a statement from CEO Andrew McKinlay on behalf of the board of directors at Tynecastle.
He said Saturday's loss to St Mirren left them "bitterly disappointed".
McKinlay stated the club had found itself at a "cross roads" which lead to the "extremely difficult decision" to part ways with Neilson.
Carrying on to what will happen now, McKinlay said:
"I am delighted to say that Steven Naismith has agreed to take over as interim manager until the end of the season. Steven has played the game at the highest level possible, and has taken great strides forward in his coaching career with the club’s B Team and at international level with Scotland.
"He will be assisted by Gordon Forrest, who I am also pleased to say has agreed to remain with the club, and Frankie McAvoy, who has a wealth of top level experience and has built up a great working relationship with Steven through the B Team. We have great faith in Steven, Gordon and Frankie and will give them the best support possible as we aim to finish the season as strongly as possible.
"We enter a crucial period of the season, with two games remaining until the split, followed by a further five matches. With what is at stake, it is no exaggeration to say that we are facing seven cup finals. We had a taste of group stage European football this season and have, in many ways, reaped the benefits. Our aim has always been to repeat this feat and that target has not changed, despite what has transpired recently.
"Our supporters have backed the team in magnificent fashion in huge numbers, home and away, all season. I ask them to continue to do this, to get behind Steven, Gordon, Frankie and the team for the remaining seven games and help us to achieve our goal. By standing together we will give ourselves the best chance of winning football matches, building momentum and reclaiming third spot, and the prizes associated with it."