Hearts appoint former Newcastle United assistant Ian Cathro as new head coach
Tuesday 6 December 2016 09:42, UK
Hearts new head coach Ian Cathro has promised fans 'excitement, energy and a team that wants to win' as he was confirmed in his new position on Monday evening.
Cathro was assistant to manager Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United, but started his coaching career at Dundee United under current Hearts director of football Craig Levein.
Sky Sports News HQ understood that Cathro had been the preferred target to replace Robbie Neilson, who left the club to join League One club Milton Keynes Dons last week.
Hearts, third in the Scottish Premiership, were looking to appoint Neilson's replacement as swiftly as possible, to allow as much time as possible to prepare for Saturday's game with Rangers at Ibrox and Cathro is determied to adopt an attacking philosophy.
He told the club website: "What will the fans get? A team that wants to win. A team that when the first whistle goes - irrespective of the circumstances, no matter what - when the first whistle goes we will expect to win.
"We're going to want to use the ball, we're going to want to be incredibly energetic, we'll want to attack and score goals.
"We'll make it an exciting place to come. Will it always be perfect? No it won't. But everybody will be at maximum all the time. It could be an enjoyable ride."
Hearts' chairwoman Ann Budge said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Ian Cathro and are confident he is the ideal candidate to take our club forward.
"He is widely regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and has amassed a great deal of experience both at home and abroad.
"He may only be 30 years of age but we are convinced that he has all the tools required to be a successful head coach."
Newcastle United boss Benitez added: "I would like to wish Ian the very best success with his first head coach role.
"When a coach has the opportunity and the desire to progress his career in management, it is always very important to allow them the freedom to move on and develop themselves."
