Steven Naismith Hearts sacking 'harsh' as Derek McInnes surprised by Jambos board
Derek McInnes insists Steven Naismith's sacking by Hearts was HARSH as he backed him for a quick-fire return to management.
Naisy was given the boot less than 24 hours after the weekend's 2-1 defeat at St Mirren which extended the Jambos' winless run to 11 games across all competitions. The Tynecastle club were applauded for their transfer business during the summer but sit rock bottom of the Premiership with just a single point to their name.
McInnes was also disappointed to see Craig Levein lose his job at St Johnstone so early into the new campaign. Yet while veteran Levein may call time on his career in the dugout, McInnes has assured Naismith that he'll be back in no time.
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The Kilmarnock boss said: "I spoke with Craig and I spoke with Naisy. Both rightly got lots of praise for the work they did last season but that could now get forgotten about quickly by supporters. In Craig's situation, a new owner normally means a new manager. It's normally just a matter of time. In Naisy's case, you know how quickly it can turn, particularly when supporters are unhappy.
"But I thought maybe even at boardroom level, he might get a wee bit more understanding and the benefit for the good season they had last year. It's always disappointing to see managers lose their jobs and I think in these two cases, it's particularly harsh. Whether Craig wants to go back in again, I'm not sure. But, certainly, in Naisy's instance, I think he should.
"As I said to him, just take the benefit from managing a club like Hearts and be ready for your next job. He'll go again, he's young enough."
Meanwhile McInnes has distanced himself from the Gorgie vacancy and insists his full focus is at Rugby Park. Asked if he felt it was a compliment to see his name linked with other jobs, McInnes added: "Not really, no. I actually don't take any notice of it. My job and focus is here.
"I'm at an age now where, when you get linked with things or your job's under pressure, I actually don't see much merit in dwelling on it. My job is fully on Kilmarnock and it's just about making sure that we're the team I want us to be. I actually think we've got the potential to be better than last year - and that excites me."