Ian Cathro set for shock managerial return seven years after Hearts sacking

Ian Cathro is set to make a shock managerial return - seven years after being sacked by Hearts.

The highly-rated Scottish coach landed his first job in the Tynecastle dugout back in 2016 after carving out an impressive reputation as an assistant at Rio Ave, Valencia and Newcastle United. But the rookie boss lasted just seven months in charge, winning seven of his 30 games.

He's since bounced back by linking up again with Nuno Espírito Santo - who he worked with in Portugal and Spain - as first-team coach at Wolves and later his No2 at Tottenham Hotspur. The 37-year-old again followed Nuno to Saudi Arabia in 2022 when he joined Al-Ittihad.

However, Cathro is set to venture out on his own again as he prepares to be appointed the manager of Portuguese top-flight side Estoril. The club are currently in the process of sacking Vasco Seabra for finishing 14th in Liga Portugal last season, although he did guide them to the Portuguese League Cup Final.

And Estoril chiefs see Cathro as the right man to take them forward, with the ex-Dundee United youth coach understood to have already agreed a deal.