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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Ian Cathro Hearts journey part of 'big rollercoaster' as he eyes manager role in future

Former Hearts boss Ian Cathro has opened up on his ambitions to return to the dugout as a manager once again.

The highly-respected coach was appointed as the main man at Tynecastle six years ago after spells with La Liga giants Valencia and English Premier League outfit Newcastle. Things didn't work out as hoped for the now 36-year-old - but his experiences have not put him off and in fact his time in the capital is something he is 'very grateful for'.

Cathro - who worked with Nuno at Wolves then Spurs - is now at Al-Ittihad in Jeddah with the same man and while he doesn't know what the future holds, one thing for certain is being a No1 is on the agenda. Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "I reflect on it as something I am very grateful for. My period at Hearts was something that was part of the big rollercoaster I have experienced. I don’t know many people who get to go through all of those things I’ve been through and still be able to sit at 36 and have made peace with things you need to make peace with, taken lessons from things you need to take lessons from.

READ MORE: Craig Gordon dubbed 'Benjamin Button' by Hearts pals as Ross Stewart reveals reason behind nickname

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“I don’t specifically mean Hearts, I mean everything. Even before that, I was someone who was so driven and so focused. I was always living in the future. That probably had a detrimental effect on so many different parts of my life.

“It’s only as time goes on and you have conversations with people who have a little bit more wisdom than you that you realise the importance of not living in the future or past. That was six years ago – six years is a long time.

"I have completely moved on and I’m focused on going forward... just not too far forward. Edinburgh is home, I love being there. But most of my football connections are elsewhere.”

The former Hearts gaffer continued: “That has never, ever changed. It’s stupid to look too far and rule something in or out. The future will be the future.

“With the fortune of good health, the vast majority of my career I expect to be as a head coach. I’m no longer in a rush in my life. That gives me comfort to live in the moment and look forward in a calm way, knowing the vast majority of my career is ahead of me.

“I have been doing this for 20 years and I am aware I’ve done a lot and experienced a lot. The last 10 has more or less been at the top level – big highs, big lows, challenges all over the place. The game has become far too all encompassing to be the responsibility of one person."

READ NEXT:

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- Hearts and Hibs learn Scottish Cup fate as Edinburgh heavyweights set for huge derby showdown

- Hearts star Orestis Kiomourtzoglou on his start to life at Tynecastle after summer transfer

- Lee Johnson delivers Hibs transfer update as boss warns dead weight will be cut from 'over-inflated' squad

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