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Michael Stewart tells Hearts 'absolute stick on' boss they must speak to and 2 more ambitious shouts

Michael Stewart had his say on what Hearts need
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Michael Stewart says it is an "absolute stick on" that Hearts should at least speak to Derek McInnes for their managerial vacancy.

The Kilmarnock boss is one of the names that has been heavily suggested in the days since Steven Naismith's sacking from the Tynecastle hotseat. It is one that has often divided fans, with some thinking they need a safe pair of hands from these shores but others hoping to see something different from left-field.

Stewart wouldn't rule out looking to overseas for an established boss with a track record, and suggested Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen and Henrik Rydstrom of Malmo, but admitted they might be difficult to transpire. But he insists McInnes absolutely must be at least spoken to.

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He told Premier Sports' Scottish Football Social Club: "For me, I think Hearts need stability right now. It's not to say I wouldn't be looking abroad, because I think you've got to cast the net far and wide.

"Perhaps the likes of Knutsen at Bodo/Glimt if you are thinking something like Jimmy Thelin at Aberdeen, or even Rydstrom at Malmo. These are guys that are doing very well but they would cost. You would have to spend a bit of money and they might not be wanting to come.

"Then, for me, an absolute stick on that has to be spoken to is Derek McInnes. The guy is the most successful outside of Rangers and Scotland. The most experienced as well."

There has been some suggestion that the former Aberdeen boss wouldn't like to work under the structure at Hearts as he prefers to have a lot of control rather than ceding to a sporting director.

But Stewart added: "And if Tony Bloom is going to be coming to Hearts with a little bit of extra investment and a network that can be tapped into, I think it something Derek McInnes would look at. Because, with the greatest respect to Kilmarnock, how much further is he going to be able to take them? With Hearts and the potential to push them on, I think it is something he may well look to and consider."