Hearts' Steven Naismith named Scottish Premiership manager of month for November
Steven Naismith picks up manager of the month award after three Scottish Premiership wins from three in November; Hearts now on a four-game winning league run for the first time since 2018; Jambos are third ahead of facing Rangers on Wednesday, live on Sky
Monday 4 December 2023 15:49, UK
Hearts boss Steven Naismith has been named the Scottish Premiership manager of the month for November.
The 37-year-old picked up the award for the first time, having been named head coach in September following the club's exit from Europe - replacing Frankie McAvoy who dropped down to number two.
It was a tough start to the season for Hearts - who didn't win a league game in October - however, Naismith is the only manager to have achieved a 100 per cent win record in November.
- Stream the Scottish Premiership and more with NOW
- Scottish Premiership Team of the Week
- Scottish Premiership table | Fixtures | Results
- Free-to-watch Scottish Premiership highlights
Hearts are now third in the Scottish Premiership, a point clear of St Mirren with a game in hand, ahead of Wednesday's game against Rangers at Tynecastle Park - live on Sky Sports.
The Jambos enjoyed wins over Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone last month before continuing that run at Kilmarnock, making it four consecutive Premiership wins for the first time since 2018.
"It probably gives the understanding that we're on the right path," said Naismith.
"We've had a tricky start to the season in terms of balancing European football, coming back into the league and the demands of the club but to find a bit of consistency is good.
"The award is probably a bit of recognition for everyone at the club. There are so many people behind the scenes day to day that probably don't get appreciated by everyone but internally we really appreciate it.
"Even at the times we haven't been getting the results, it's small margins. In a lot of the games we've done a lot of good stuff and maybe one aspect has let us down, it's about bringing it all together and probably having a focus on all the individual parts for each player.
"All that hard work and consistency that we put in earlier on is starting to show.
Live SPFL
"It's modern day management, the need for instant success is there and if it's not then it's not good enough.
"Internally we've been very comfortable with it all, we've been in the game long enough to understand you need to get something that has longevity.
"It takes time and people make mistakes, the important thing is you learn from them and you get good results."
Victory on Wednesday night would move the Jambos to within five points of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
After a 2-1 defeat in the league at Ibrox and a 3-1 loss in the Viaplay Cup semi-final, Naismith is expecting better from his side.
"It'll be a tough game. Since the new manager has come in they've turned a corner in terms of their mindset," the former Ibrox striker added.
"It's going to take time but their consistency of getting results, even in the draws as they're picking up points, that's a change from earlier in the season.
"We've had two opportunities to play them recently, we understand how they play and what they try and do in the games and that they're a real threat.
"Being at home we want to properly put in a performance that's more threatening than the one in the semi-final."
Scottish Premiership and SWPL on Sky Sports
Sky Sports - This season up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches. From 2024/25, up to 60 cinch Premiership will be live on Sky Sports, in addition to the SWPL.
Sky Sports News - Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News' (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.
Sky Sports Digital - Follow all the latest from Scottish football across SkySports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.
Sky Sports Social - Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports' main social media channels, the bespoke X page @ScotlandSky (formerly known as Twitter) will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.
Highlights show - Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.
To download the Sky Sports app click here, to visit Sky Sports website click here.
Sky Sports is the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, with action from the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Women's Premier League, Premier League, WSL, EFL, and more.
