Neil Critchley lands Hearts gig as Andrew McKinley provides inside track on Steven Naismith successor decision
Neil Critchley has been named as the new manager of Hearts.
The Jambos have confirmed Steven Naismith's successor on a deal until the end of the 2026/27 campaign as they begin a new chapter in the capital. The Englishman will be assisted by former Liverpool Academy, Blackpool and QPR coach Mike Garrity. The 45-year-old was flagged up by the analytics guide used in the hunt for the next Tynecastle boss. Chief executive officer Andrew McKinlay has provided the inside track on the process to identify the former Blackpool boss as he lauded him as an 'ambitious coach' with a 'desire to lead his teams to the top'
The Jambos chief told the club's official website: “I’m very happy to be able to welcome Neil to Hearts. We’ve made no secret of the fact that analytics has guided our search for a new manager, and that data presented us with many top quality options including Neil.
“During the interview process, we got the opportunity to hear from applicants and get a better understanding of them as people and in particular how they have dealt with and learnt from particular situations both positive and negative in their careers.
“In addition, we were able to ascertain who would fit best into our new model going forward which includes the use of analytics for recruitment and the appointment of a new Sporting Director with very clear ideas of what we need to do to succeed. This was a vital part of our deliberations as any appointment has to be fully bought into this to ensure that we have the maximum chance of success.
“Following these discussions, it became very clear who the standout candidates were. Neil understands well what we are looking to do, has experience at big club environments, none more so than at Liverpool, and is an ambitious coach with a desire to lead his teams to the top.
“Everyone at Hearts is looking forward to Neil getting to work and I’m sure our supporters will give him a warm welcome when we play St Mirren on Saturday, and continue their unrivalled backing of the team.”
Hearts currently sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership standings with just two points from eight games. Critchley will be hoping for an immediate impact when they face St Mirren this weekend as he looks for a first win. He will also have Conference League football to look forward to with the Gorgie outfit picking up a win on the road at Dinamo Minsk under caretaker boss Liam Fox.
Speaking for the first time as Hearts boss, Critchley said: "Hi everybody, I’m delighted to join this fantastic football club. Ahead of Saturday, I wanted to say something directly to you. We want you to be excited by the team that you see on the pitch and come to support. We want to be a team that nobody wants to play. When you come to Tynecastle on a Saturday, the feeling should be optimistic and excited to see a team that gives the support reasons to get on their feet. You should be able to see the passion of the support reflected in the team.
"This is an exciting time for the club, and it rightly has high expectations. That starts with a simple objective; winning football matches, and our first opportunity to address that is when we play St. Mirren in Gorgie on Saturday.
"The passion for this football club I’ve experienced in my short time here has warmed me. There’s passion, but also great compassion shown both by the people who work here and the supporters. I promise I’ll give this club everything. You very quickly come to understand how much Hearts means to those who care most about it, and how much of a difference it makes to their lives by giving them a successful team.
"I can’t wait to start this journey, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of the players and getting down to work straight away. See you on Saturday."