Heart of Midlothian have begun their search for a new manager after Steven Naismith was sacked six games into the new Scottish Premiership season.
It is barely 18 months since their last dip into managerial recruitment, when Robbie Neilson was dismissed after three years in charge.
Naismith eventually got the job in June 2023 after impressing as interim manager, but despite finishing third last season he paid the price for eight successive defeats to start this campaign.
So what comes next for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs? We give the lowdown on how Hearts are going about finding the right manager…
Why was Naismith sacked?
Ultimately, the really poor run of results. After the highs of last season – when Hearts romped to third place with considerable ease – the expectation from all within the club was to progress even further.
However without a win in this campaign and a run of eight straight defeats, this led to the departure of Naismith and his backroom team of Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy.
What happened on Sunday?
After the loss to St Mirren on Saturday the board took their time before holding a meeting on Sunday, when the decision was made. Naismith and his backroom team were informed around lunchtime, with the players finding out early afternoon.
What happens now?
Hearts ‘B’ team head coach Liam Fox will take control of the first team and will be assisted by former players Lee Wallace and Angus Beith, who are both involved in coaching within the academy structure at the club.
Who will choose the new manager?
A sub-group within the club made up of board members and other executive staff will handle any applications for the job. Jamestown Analytics – the company owned by Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who is close to agreeing a deal with Hearts – will also be used to assess potential candidates.
A shortlist will be drawn up and when interviews are complete and a preferred candidate is identified, this will be put forward to the board for their approval.
What timescale is there for the appointment?
There is no specific timescale, however by the end of this week a list of potential candidates will be looked at.
Hearts travel to Azerbaijan next week to begin their Conference League campaign against the Belarusian side Dynamo Minsk before the team travel to Aberdeen for their final league match before the international break.
Although it is unlikely an appointment will be made prior to this, if a standout candidate becomes available the Hearts board may move quickly.
Who is in the frame?
The names of Kilmarnock’s Derek McInnes, Stephen Robinson of St Mirren and Dundee boss Tony Docherty have all been linked with the job in the last 48 hours.
All three have strong credentials for the role and it would be a surprise if they are not under consideration.
However with the advantage of having the use of Jamestown Analytics to assess potential new head coaches/managers, it seems likely they will put forward names that are less well known but have the tools to take the club forward and achieve the goals fans crave.