Gareth Ainsworth 'applies' for Hearts job as ex QPR boss puts name in frame
Former QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth has applied for the Hearts job, according to a report.
The Jambos have been managerless since Sunday when Steven Naismith was let go after losing to St Mirren 24 hours prior. That was an eighth straight defeat and a fifth in the league with the capital side rock-bottom of the Premiership with just one point, having also been knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup and Europa League.
B team boss Liam Fox has been placed in temporary job, starting with Ross County on Saturday and likely including Dimano Minsk in the Conference League and then Aberdeen away. There is likely to be an announcement on a new manager by then with the club reportedly wanting to have it done by the international break which comes after the Dons game.
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Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who is close to a deal to invest £10million into Hearts, and his analytics company, are set to be involved in the process of identifying a new manager. Those analytics have been used by the Seagulls in identifying left-field bosses, but CEO Andrew McKinlay also insisted the whole process won't simply be handed over and the club will have their own input.
And the Daily Record is now reporting that Ainsworth has thrown his hat into the ring. The 51-year-old was sacked by QPR last year and has turned down offers to get back in since, but the Tynecastle hotseat appeals to him.
The Englishman had a successful stint at Wycombe, taking them from League Two to the Championship before getting the Rs job, where he was a player.