Hamilton Accies hero Frankie McAvoy has been appointed as the new head coach of Hearts on a two-year deal.
The Bellshill man - who featured for Blantyre Vics, Wishaw, Bellshill Athletic and Thorniewood United in his playing days - has stepped up from his role as Academy Director, which he undertook in February, and he takes on the position working alongside Steven Naismith.
Former Rangers striker Naismith is effectively the club's new boss after a caretaker spell at the end of last season, but as he does not yet possess his UEFA Pro License qualification - a requirement to manage in European competition - McAvoy has be named head coach with Naismith serving as 'Technical Director' in the interim.
Hearts finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership this season to qualify for the Europa Confernece Leaue preliminary rounds.
Naismith won't be able obtain the necessary qualifications until next year, so McAvoy will play a vital role in a three-pronged Tynecastle team that also includes coach Gordon Forrest.
It is a second major managerial role for 55-year-old McMavoy, having taken charge of 33 games as Preston North End manager in 2021 when he took over from fellow ex-Accies Alex Neil.
The pair were coach and manager, respectively, at Accies from 2013-15 and helped the club win promotion to the Premiership in 2014.
Announcing the appointments, Hearts' 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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