Frankie McAvoy has blown apart any doubts over who will be in charge of Hearts when the Premiership resumes and declared: “I’m calling the shots”.
The former academy director was appointed as head coach last month with Steven Naismith assuming a technical director role. Naismith is unable to manage in European competition without his UEFA badges and is currently working towards completing his pro licence. The mechanics of the arrangement have led some to believe Naismith - who took interim charge for the final seven games last season after Robbie Neilson’s sacking - was still actively in charge.
But while the former striker will lead the recruitment side of the footballing operation - with Hearts interest in Aussie forward Sammy Silvera now at an end - it’s former Preston boss McAvoy who will take ultimate charge on matchday with coach Gordon Forrest making up the frontline trio. Speaking at the Jambos’ pre-season training base here in Marbella, McAvoy said: “What we do is we work collaboratively together, the three of us.
