Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Now the final whistle has blown on a calamitous campaign for Hearts, the focus has to be on ensuring there is no repeat of those mistakes next season.

It all started brightly with an excellent performance, but no win, against Rangers on the opening day.

But as soon as the following weekend - and the shocking first-half performance at Dens Park - it became evident this season would be far from plain sailing.

That was followed up by a League Cup exit to Falkirk amid a run of eight straight losses to led to Steven Naismith being shown the door.

Neil Critchley made a promising start with wins over St Mirren and Omonia Nicosia in the Conference League. The future looked bright, but the wheels came off again soon after.

One win in nine followed along with an exit from Europe after failure to dispose of Moldovans Petrocub at Tynecastle.

And after stumbling to the split with one win in five, a bottom-six finish plus defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final to Aberdeen meant Critchley's time was up.

Lessons have to be learned from the mistakes made, not just this season but over the past two or three years.

In Derek McInnes, Hearts now have a man who knows the league inside out and, probably more importantly, knows what Hearts are all about having come up against them on many occasions.

He looked genuinely excited at the prospect of working with Jamestown Analytics. And despite many cynics still trying to figure out how it works, McInnes says he plans to use the tool to its fullest, with the first evidence the pre-contract g of Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis.

This summer at Tynecastle will be fascinating and with new investment on the horizon from Tony Bloom, the expectation from fans will be even greater.

Elton Kabangu "is going on holiday" as Hearts and parent club Union Saint-Gilloise figure out where the forward's future lies after the 27-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Tynecastle. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay has itted the Edinburgh club "got it wrong" when appointing Neil Critchley as head coach and has revealed that a new contract offer has been made to 29-year-old striker Lawrence Shankland. (Sky Sports), external

Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones says contract discussions with Lawrence Shankland will have a cut-off point but says they are ongoing and he is still hopeful they will be able to retain the club captain. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts are close to g Alexandros Kyziridis, the 24-year-old Greek winger who is out of contract this summer with Zemplin Michalovce, hope to agree a deal for 25-year-old Kazakhstan forward Islam Chesnokov before his contract with Tobol ends in October, while Belgian striker Elton Kabangu's loan move from Union Saint-Gilloise is set to be made permanent for a fee in the region of £250,000. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Sporting director Graeme Jones says he and Derek McInnes will add the "human" element of decision making over new gs to make sure any players earmarked by the Jamestown Analytics talent scouting system fit the new head coach's style of play. (Daily Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jamestown Analytics backed Hearts' decision to identify Derek McInnes as their top target to become the club's new head coach, sporting director Graeme Jones has confirmed.

When Neil Critchley was appointed in mid-October, chief executive Andrew McKinlay was keen to emphasise that "the analytics only guide us".

That was also the case for recruiting a replacement for Critchley, who was sacked just six months after his appointment.

"We looked at coaches within Scotland and also outside Scotland," Jones said. "It became clear as the process went on that Derek was the right man for us."

CEO McKinlay referenced that Critchley was "the preferred candidate from an analytics perspective" back in October.

When asked if McInnes was the number one choice by Jamestown Analytics, Jones replied: "They don't really provide information like that. They provide a very neutral output to help inform the decision.

"He was my number one pick and Jamestown Analytics ed my reasoning, but they don't really rank it in that fashion.

"His experience within Scotland is very important. He's able to deal with the intensity of the Scottish game.

"He has real first-hand experience of the expectations of what our fanbase want. Combining that with the fact he's a very good coach and a proven leader, everything really matched up."

Jones ed Hearts at the end of last year from the Scottish FA, just at the time the club were announcing Critchley as head coach.

He says looking back the appointment of the former Blackpool boss proved to be the wrong one.

"Hindsight's a wonderful thing and the decision was made back then to look for candidates outside Scotland," Jones explained.

"That's the decision that was made and it didn't prove to be the correct decision."

We asked for your views on what Derek McInnes' priorities should be as new Hearts head coach.

Here's what some of you said:

Jarrod: Too often recently Hearts have gone for the cheap option with recruitment. McInnes has a track record of developing players so we should back his judgement and go all out to bring in his targets. If he wants a few Ferraris, let him have them.

Dave: First thing is to create a Hearts identity and team mentality. Then get back to footballing basics with players who will buy into that. Keep it simple and direct. Previous coaches seemed to over-coach players who in turn lost their own initiative to mix things up during the game. You have to play within a structure but don't stifle your own players' reading of situations as they develop on the field. All easier said than done.

Donald: We need to build a spine to the team that is as strong as the old castle rock. A commanding centre-half needs brought in that we haven't seen since the Steven Pressley days. A proven goalscorer too, whether that is Lawrence Shankland putting the fresh ink on a new contract, or if we can unearth a superstar using the Jamestown Analytics.

Marc: Firstly, I think the appointment of McInnes is the best option for Hearts. McInnes has proven over the years to be a successful manager, wherever he has been. Apart from keeping Shankland, whose goals of the last three years are irreplaceable, he needs to make Hearts strong defensively again. Building a solid foundation, making us hard to beat and not get bullied, which we have the past few years. Then adding pace in wide areas, like he had at Aberdeen, playing with tricky, pacey, inverted wingers. Let's make Hearts hard to beat and make Tynecastle a fortress again, a place no team enjoys playing at, then hopefully we can kick on from there.

Jockie: McInnes not my choice of a Hearts manager, but we have him and I will back him and the team. Like what he said during his interview, he now needs to back that up with actions and playing a style of football Hearts fans want to see, challenge the Old Firm and of course put Hibs to the sword.

Alan: Hoping he has nerve to clear out players nearing one year left who are not playing regularly or trying hard enough for me and every other Jambo. I'd like to see a third-place finish next year if possible and good effort at all times from all.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

If there were any Jambos sceptical about the appointment of Derek McInnes as head coach, his first press conference would have changed the opinion of the biggest cynic in Gorgie.

The fact McInnes spoke with real excitement when he said the Hearts job was one he always wanted, and described his aim to excite the fans like Jim Jefferies, George Burley and early Craig Levein's teams, certainly got me buying into his vision.

The fact he wants to make Tynecastle an uncomfortable place for opposition also earns him backing from everyone of a maroon persuasion as he rightly pointed out the mood in EH11 has been sanitised for a long time.

McInnes is at Hearts because he wants to win silverware, have us playing in Europe and pushing up the top of the table. He's not making bold promises publicly about splitting the Old Firm or making jibes about Hibs or former side Aberdeen, but you know that internally he'll be desperate for wins against those four sides the most.

Although his job title is not manager, you feel the players will be left in no doubt who is in charge and that he won't be afraid to make difficult decisions.

One of McInnes' first tasks will be to resolve the future of captains Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland, who are both out of contract. It might sound mad to some, but I am more confident in Shankland lining up for Hearts after the summer than club legend Gordon.

There's reports of interest from China in Shankland but given he has a young family, I'm not sure he'd be keen to go there. I can't see him suiting the physicality of the English Championship and I don't imagine he'll have a better offer from anyone in Scotland than Hearts.

He might get a lifestyle move to somewhere like the MLS or Australia, but I think McInnes will convince Shankland and the club to come to a deal that works for both.

In of Gordon, I love the man. That said, he has regressed massively compared to a couple of years ago. He doesn't take charge of his penalty area like he used to and there have been a number of goals conceded because of his indecision over whether to come for a ball.

Given that McInnes already has another Scotland international on his books in Zander Clark and a sound deputy in Ryan Fulton, he may wish to make a decision he feels is necessary in removing any distraction prior to the new season.

Should there be a mutual parting of the ways? There's already been no sentimentality shown in the decision to move on 'big Jambo' Liam Fox after his latest stint as interim head coach. I have a feeling Gordon may also be set for the exit.

Whatever happens, I just hope McInnes is backed and trusted to make the right decisions for the greater good of Hearts.

Image source, SNS

New Hearts head coach Derek McInnes indicated he would quickly address the situation with captain Lawrence Shankland and goalkeeper Craig Gordon, both of whom are out of contract this summer, saying "these conversations will be had".

Shankland's goalscoring form dipped this term, scoring nine times after netting on 31 occasions the previous campaign.

And 42-year-old Scotland keeper Gordon made 46 appearances for the Tynecastle side this season after being reinstated as first choice.

"Lawrence, I know him more than Craig, but both are capable players and have proven they're good players here," said McInnes, who managed Shankland during his time at Aberdeen.

"I just want to work with good players. Clearly, there's work needing done. There's a lot of good players here and we need to find a better way of working.

"Hopefully, when the window closes, the squad will be more rounded, maybe a bit more balanced and a bit more what I would want it to be for the challenges ahead."

Meanwhile, McInnes believes the relationship with Jamestown Analytics, who Hearts have been working with for their recruitment, can give the club an "added advantage".

Head coach Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media on the day his Hearts appointment was confirmed.

Here are the key lines:

• McInnes says the process of becoming Hearts boss was "problematic", but he's "absolutely delighted" to be confirmed as head coach.

• He indicated he would quickly address the situation with captain Lawrence Shankland and goalkeeper Craig Gordon, both of whom are out of contract this summer, saying "these conversations will be had".

• The former Aberdeen boss says the Hearts job is "everything I wanted" at this stage of his career.

• "I've always felt this is a club I've wanted to manage," he adds. "They can match my ambition and hopefully I can give them what they want".

• McInnes says the intention is to "deliver silverware and sustained success on the pitch" and aims to make Hearts the "biggest animal we can be".

• He wants to "deliver what's expected" then go on to "exceed those expectations".

• On the assistance of Jamestown Analytics in player recruitment, McInnes says "they'll help me build the squad - I'll build the team".

• He feels "too many teams enjoy" going to Tynecastle. "I'd like it to be the opposite," he adds.

Hearts fans, the news you have all been expecting has finally been confirmed.

Derek McInnes is your team's new boss following his exit from Kilmarnock and he will be ed by first-team coaches Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald.

After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, what should McInnes' priorities be to get Hearts challenging at the right end of the table next term?

Send us your thoughts

We asked for your views on Hearts' end-of-season victory at Kilmarnock.

Here's what you had to say:

Alistair: Definitely not a memorable season, but four victories in a row at the end speaks volumes about Liam Fox. I think he needs to be given lots of credit and he didn't deserve the decision by the board to remove him from the club altogether. I understand the new manager will bring his own men in, but surely a place could have been found for Liam.

Alan: Get VAR so far into the bin. To overturn the referee's initial decision of a free-kick to Yan Dhanda then send him off for a challenge that wasn't a challenge was ludicrous. After that it felt good to snatch the three points in a fairly meaningless game on a horrible pitch.

Ronnie: Not a great game to be fair and why Dandara decided to keep his foot in is beyond me, pressure of being at a bigger club maybe. Hopefully new manager comes in and clears a lot out and brings in fresh faces because some of these players are really not worth a wage. Bad season all round and the board really do need to look at themselves I am afraid. They have carried out a lot of good things but have certainly left a lot to be desired on the managers they have brought in. Good luck to the departing interim manager and I really hope he gets a gig somewhere good because he has been good for Hearts.

Paul: If it wasn't for the Neil Critchley experiment we would have been comfortably in the top half. Tippy-tappy ive football will get you nowhere in the SPFL. We ended up just a couple of points from fourth.

Moray: A very poor season and such a shame Fox is too leave the club, he deserved to be kept on in some role. Hopefully next season will be more stable and we all have something to look forward too.

Watch highlights as 10-man Hearts end their Scottish Premiership season with a late victory at Kilmarnock.

Available in UK only

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• Hearts have won their last four games in the Premiership, their last longer winning streak was from 2 January 2024 to 17 February 2024, a run of six games.

• Kilmarnock have failed to score in 13 of their 38 games, only Ross County (15) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

• Hearts have scored in each of their last four games in the Premiership, scoring nine goals in that run.

Ten-man Hearts clinched seventh place in the Scottish Premiership after Stephen Kingsley's late strike at Kilmarnock earned a fourth successive win under caretaker manager Liam Fox.

What did you make of that, Hearts fans? How do you feel about Liam Fox departing the club?

Was it a fitting end to the season?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Hearts interim head coach Liam Fox told BBC Scotland: "I'm thrilled for the players, staff, ers. We understand it's been a disappointing season overall. I'm hoping those four wins on the bounce sends them away feeling a wee bit better.

"I actually asked the fourth official what was going on and he thought it was a Kilmarnock player they were looking at. When Yan received the red, there was confusion int he dugout. I've not seen it back.

"It was another thing thrown at us today. Zander Clark came off injured, Ryan Fulton was injured second half. The players deserve huge credit for finding a way to win in what wasn't a good game.

"I'm naturally disappointed to be leaving the football club, but I tell the players all the time you've got a choice of what you do off a disappointment.

"I can choose to be angry or upset, but I'm choosing to be thankful and positive about the opportunity and the learnings. This experience will make me a better coach, manager, and person."

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All change at Tynecastle as well with McInnes' appointment expected in the coming day or two.

It's been a positive end to a campaign that was so frustrating for the most part but work will surely start right away.

Presumably first on the agenda is clarity on Shankland's future. The travelling certainly embraced their captain when he was replaced.

No-one at Hearts is hiding from the fact that this season has been bitterly disappointing. There can be no repeat.

They will want to start the new campaign in complete contrast to how this one began with recruitment key.

Image source, SNS

Cammy Devlin. Slim pickings on an afternoon where it seemed most would rather be elsewhere, but the Aussie midfielder nicks it.

Still full of beans, he was the most energetic and influential of the Hearts midfield.

Scotland forward Lawrence Shankland, 29, wants his future decided quickly as he plans discussions with expected new Hearts manager Derek McInnes. (Record), external

McInnes' input will be a key factor in Shankland's decision. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Kilmarnock defender Robbie Deas is suspended while Kyle Magennis will not be risked after a knee injury. Brad Lyons (groin) and Joe Wright (hip) have a chance of featuring.

Hearts caretaker Liam Fox is set to choose from an unchanged squad.

Craig Gordon (shoulder), Jamie McCart (groin), Blair Spittal, Kenneth Vargas (knee), Gerald Taylor (knee) and Aidan Denholm (hamstring) are all likely to remain sidelined, while James Penrice could be left out again as he is one booking away from a two-match ban.

Incoming Hearts boss Derek McInnes wants to take Stuart Findlay with him from Kilmarnock, where the 29-year-old centre-half has spent two seasons on loan from Oxford United. (Daily Record), external

Astana have itted defeat in their attempt to sign Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov from Tobol, with sports director Kaisar Bekenov saying the 25-year-old is "very close" to a transfer to Hearts. (Scottish Sun), external

Derek McInnes will make securing Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland on a new deal his priority when the manager moves from Kilmarnock, with the Scotland striker out of contract this summer. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Harry Milne hopes to put a "frustrating" start to his Hearts career behind him and show he can become a regular next season.

The 28-year-old, a January g from Partick Thistle, made just his second Hearts appearance in the midweek win over St Johnstone when regular left-back James Penrice was rested.

Milne, hoping for another outing when Hearts end the season away to Kilmarnock on Sunday, said: "I was happy to get the game, especially here at Tynecastle, before summer so there's not as much of that unknown aspect with me in of the connection with the fans.

"The day-to-day, everything about the club, the facilities, the boys, the squad, the standard, from that aspect it's always been really good.

"But it has been really frustrating not being able to play as many games as I'd like.

"There's both sides of the coin - I'm happy to be here, of course, because it's a wonderful club and everything about it and the size of it, but I would like some more time on the pitch."

Milne believes he will benefit from the gentle bedding-in period when he looks to impress the new manager - Derek McInnes is set to be appointed - during the summer.

"It's been good that I've been able to come in at the end of January, rather than coming in summer, because I'm more familiar with everyone around the club," he added.

"Not just my team-mates but the staff and being able to move through to Edinburgh and things like that and get settled in. I feel settled now and I just want to kick on next season."