Hearts have appointed Steven Naismith as their new permanent manager.
But his job title will be 'technical director' until he gets the required UEFA pro licence, with Franke McAvoy officially listed as the Jambos head coach. The former Killie, Rangers and Everton star has penned a two-year deal, along with McAvoy and Gordon Forrest, having been on the Tynecastle coaching staff since retiring in the summer of 2021.
He took the club's B team last season whilst helping predecessor Robbie Neilson and assistants Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest. When Neilson was sacked in April, Naismith was handed control for the final seven games of the season to try and propel the Jambos back into third spot after a wretched run of form. They fell short, with Naismith having to settle for fourth, which was achieved by a final day Edinburgh derby draw with Hibs, which saw the hosts play for over an hour with ten men.
Chief Executive Andrew McKinlay said: “We are thrilled to confirm Steven, Frankie and Gordon as our coaching team. We received a number of excellent applications, and, after a robust recruitment process, we believe the three were the best candidates to lead us into next season while sharing our vision for the club’s future. Steven is an outstanding young coach with a strong track record of improving players whilst also displaying a commitment to blooding young talent through the ranks.
“Frankie has vast experience from his time coaching on both sides of the border and possesses an impressive track record of developing talent. Gordon, of course, is very familiar with the club already. He’s an outstanding presence on the training pitch and a very gifted coach. I’m sure our supporters will join me in congratulating all three and wishing them every success.
Sporting director Joe Savage added: “We’ve been really impressed with all three of them, there’s a fantastic dynamic there and we believe they’ve earned this opportunity. They want to continue playing in a style that the fans like and the players enjoy. I think the performances spoke for themselves; you could tell the players really bought into what they were trying to achieve.
“Steven has had a wonderful playing career and worked towards this for a long time. He’s got a style and identity that I like and agree with. I think we’ll work together well to develop and enhance this team. I’ve known Frankie a long time from working together at Hamilton, Norwich and Preston. He brings a wealth of experience and has a history of developing young players who have been sold for millions of pounds. In his time as Academy Director, you can see the influence he’s had already.
“Speak to anyone about Gordon Forrest: and they’ll tell you what a top coach he is. Gordon’s brilliant on the grass, brilliant in taking sessions and that’s been utilised really well. They’re all good foils for each other and bounce ideas around together.
“The aim now is to be as successful as we can be. The first stop is to try and get through the European qualifiers which presents a challenge, but one we believe that we’re capable of rising to. The sky’s the limit. The three have shown in a short space of time what good ideas they have. Let’s see how far we can go because we’ve got a great chance to build something really special at Hearts.”
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