Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Mackie

Inside Hearts' coaching set up with Steven Naismith and Frank McAvoy as 'personal touch' spotted in Tynecastle dynamic

Alan Irvine has revealed how a coaching collaboration featuring Frankie McAvoy and Steven Naismith can work in perfect harmony for Hearts.

Irvine teamed up with McAvoy in Alex Neil’s backroom staff at Norwich. And he was assistant gaffer when Naisy starred for Everton and then the Canaries. The veteran coach hopes to hook up again with his two former colleagues on Sunday when the Jambos play a closed door friendly at Wigan. irvine put Naisy through his ‘B’ licence and believes he’s got a great future as a gaffer.

But while the 36-year-old graduates to UEFA Pro Licence level, it’s McAvoy at the helm and Gordon Forrest helping out as first team coach. Irvine said: “Frankie and I sat next to each other in the office at Norwich and, first and foremost, he’s a really nice guy. I went in as assistant manager, working alongside Frankie who was effectively assistant as well, although that wasn’t his title.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.