Derek McInnes: Hearts and Kilmarnock agree terms as Jambos look set to appoint Neil Critchley's successor
Kilmarnock announce Derek McInnes will not be in charge as they face Hearts on Sunday; McInnes planned to be in the dugout for the game despite being in talks with their Scottish Premiership rivals over a move to Tynecastle Park; Kilmarnock and Hearts have agreed a deal for the boss
Friday 16 May 2025 17:36, UK
Derek McInnes will not take charge of Kilmarnock when they face Hearts on Sunday, with the manager set to move from the Rugby Park club to their Scottish Premiership rivals.
The 53-year-old had revealed on Tuesday he planned to be in the dugout for Killie's final two games of the season.
However, following their 3-0 defeat to Motherwell, Kilmarnock revealed McInnes will not lead the side against Hearts. Meanwhile, compensation has been agreed for his summer move to Tynecastle Park.
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"It has been agreed between our board of directors, Derek McInnes and his staff that the best approach would be if they were not in charge for the final match of the season," a statement read.
"Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald will also not be involved - first-team preparation and matchday duties will be undertaken by Chris Burke and Craig Clark.
"We look forward to seeing the blue and white army out in force this weekend as we give the players the send off they deserve. More information will follow in due course."
The former St Johnstone, Bristol City and Aberdeen manager has been a frontrunner to succeed Neil Critchley who was sacked two weeks ago and remains in talks with Hearts.
The approach for McInnes - who is under contract at Rugby Park until 2027 - came after he guided Killie to Premiership safety, following their 3-2 win over Dundee.
After being appointed in January 2022, he led Kilmarnock back to the top-flight by clinching the Championship title.
He then kept the club in the Premiership the following season, before finishing fourth in the last campaign - securing European football for Killie for the first time since 2019.
Boyd: McInnes deserves top job
Former Kilmarnock and Rangers striker Kris Boyd on Sky Sports:
"You look at what he did with Aberdeen. They were a club that were struggling, and Hearts have had a disappointing season.
"It's no disrespect to Kilmarnock, I have a great association with them, and they were a fantastic club for me. But you are getting to a stage now where Derek is ready to go back to that stage, a big club.
"For me, Hearts are the third biggest club in the country, you want them up there challenging and causing problems to Rangers and Celtic.
"Considering the job Derek did at Aberdeen, he deserves to be back at that level. People forget, and it is easy because of what Derek has achieved in the past, what he has done at Kilmarnock has been unbelievable as well.
"I think he deserves another crack at a big club to see if he can cause problems to our big two."
