Steven Naismith replaces Robbie Neilson; Hearts' losing streak extended to five matches after home defeat to St Mirren on Saturday; Hearts were overtaken in the cinch Premiership by Aberdeen - having sat third in the table since the start of 2023 - while St Mirren closed to within a point
Tuesday 11 April 2023 16:30, UK
Steven Naismith has been appointed Hearts interim manager until the end of the season.
He replaces Robbie Neilson, who was booed following the final whistle on Saturday after Hearts slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to St Mirren.
The fan-owned club have taken the decision to change manager ahead of next Saturday's Edinburgh derby against Hibs at Easter Road as they try to get back on track in the race for third place and the access to European group-stage football that comes with it.
A club statement read: "Everyone connected with the club was bitterly disappointed with the outcome of Saturday's cinch Premiership match with St Mirren. We had all hoped that things would turn around, sooner rather than later, but results and performances over the past seven weeks have been unacceptable and there is no sugar coating that.
"At full time on Saturday we found ourselves at a crossroads and the Board took the extremely difficult decision, after much discussion, to make a managerial change in order to get back on track and refocus our efforts on clinching third place in the league.
"I do not need to remind anyone just how pivotal a figure Robbie Neilson has been in this club's journey back to the top of Scottish football. His commitment to Hearts has been unwavering, and he deserves every plaudit for guiding us back into the top flight, to two Scottish Cup Finals, to third place last season and into group stage European football. Robbie, along with Lee McCulloch, will forever have our gratitude for those achievements, which is why this was such a tough decision to make.
"However, we simply could not ignore the results and performances. The Board is here to make difficult decisions and act in the best interests of the club, which is what we feel we have done by making this change at this time.
"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."
In a statement issued via the League Managers Association, Neilson said: "I would like to thank Ann Budge and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Heart of Midlothian over the past three seasons. We built a fantastic relationship and I will always have the utmost respect for them.
"My thanks also to the players and staff for their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you all and seeing you develop as both a team and as individuals. To my assistants, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
"Everything we achieved together, winning the Championship, two Scottish Cup finals, a third-placed finish and securing European group stage football was with the superb support of the Hearts fans and the Foundation of Hearts. I thank you all for that. I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve together. It has been an honour to be your manager.
"I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to finish the season strongly and build on the strong foundations already in place.
"I'm now looking forward to having a chance to reflect, recharge and prepare for the next opportunity."
Hearts' next Scottish Premiership match is away to Hibernian on April 15. Kick-off 12.30pm.
