Ex-Hearts boss Steven Naismith releases statement following sacking after run of poor form

Former Hearts head coach Steven Naismith has admitted pressure is always going to come at a big club amid a run of bad form, after he was sacked from the role on Sunday.

The ex-Scotland international was let go from his role in the dugout after an eight-game losing streak. Hearts confirmed the news following the Jambos’ 2-1 defeat to St Mirren over the weekend.

The 38-year-old was named interim coach on April 2023 before being given the role on a permanent basis. He led the side to a third place finish last year and was rewarded with a new contract just six weeks ago.

However, Hearts currently sit at the foot of the table with just one point to their name following the opening six games.

Naismith has since made a statement following what he describes as a “frustrating” start to the season for the Edinburgh club.

He said: “I am disappointed that my time at Heart of Midlothian Football Club has come to an end. This season has been a frustrating one for a number of reasons and ultimately it just hasn’t been good enough. When you’re at a big club with demands and expectations and you go on a bad run of form – pressure is always going to come.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with Heart of Midlothian, where I have spent nearly eight years of my career. From my first day I formed a strong connection with the club and all who work there, I knew, understood and appreciated the standards and demands of HMFC and this was something I constantly tried to uphold as a player and manager.

“The board put faith in me and gave me the opportunity to become a leader of the club and I am truly grateful for that. I fully believe that this board are the right people to guide the club – I truly believe all they want is success. I also believe the club is very near to taking the next step and progressing to the next level continuing on the trajectory it has been on.

“In my opinion the squad of players has lots of potential, even though this season at times we have struggled to get going, I have confidence that they will fulfil their potential. The challenge to play at a big club and deal with the pressure associated is tough at times but once you understand it, and learn to deal with it it’s a great attribute to have – this is something I tried to instil in the squad.

“There is a lot of hard work that goes in day to day at any football club and I want to thank all the staff at the club who work tirelessly – their support was felt throughout my time in charge.

“The fans are a huge part of the football club and their work to secure control of the club is special. Hearts have many great people who follow the club every week, the desire for success is clear to see.

“I really do hope you get some special moments in the near future. Please understand the power of your support when used in the right way. Keep following and backing the players.

“I am pleased that in my first year as a head coach I was able to bring a level of success to the club with: European football, most league wins in nearly 20 years; most away wins in 32 years; and some good individual performances and results.

“My biggest hope is that from my time at the football club I have helped make people better – whether that was on the pitch or off it.”

Hearts B head coach Liam Fox, who previously managed Dundee United in the top flight during the 2022/23 season, will step in as interim boss as the Jambos begin their search for a new manager.

The Edinburgh club host Ross County in their next league fixture and travel to Belarus to face Dinamo Minsk in the European Conference League on Thursday, October 3.