Steven Naismith sacked by Hearts after eight consecutive defeats

Hearts have sacked head coach Steven Naismith after defeat to St Mirren that left the side rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table.

Naismith, along with assistants Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy, have paid the price for a dismal run of results that has seen the team lose eight games in a row, and take only one point from their league campaign so far.

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay said: “I’d like to firstly thank Steven, Gordon and Frankie for all their efforts over the past year and a half. They worked tirelessly in their roles and without them we would not have enjoyed the successes of last season.

“However, things can change quickly, particularly in football, and it has been clear for all to see that things are not working this season. Results and performances have fallen below the standards expected at this football club and, unfortunately, there is little evidence of any potential upturn in fortunes.

“With our UEFA Conference League campaign about to commence, and the spotlight on our league position, we cannot afford to stand still. That is why we, as a Board of Directors, have made the difficult decision to part ways with the management team, who go with our thanks and best wishes.

“We will update supporters shortly about next steps in both the short and long term but for now, the club shall be making no further comment at this time.”

Liam Fox has been put in interim charge of the first team.

Naismith had said after the 2-1 defeat in Paisley that he still believed he could turn things around but had admitted that there could be “consequences”. He said that the Hearts board had a history of making good decisions for the club.

“There’s not much I can say that’s going to appease anyone’s frustrations and anger,” he said. “We’ve started the season without winning a game, so it’s bitterly disappointing.

“I’m realistic to understand that the more games we pass, the more pressure builds.

“It will be what it’ll be. The one thing I’ve felt my whole time at the club as a player, as a coach and as a manager, is that the board are realistic, they’re sensible, they understand it. They make good decisions, in my opinion.

“They have done in the club for the last five years. That’ll be what it’ll be. I can totally understand the fans’ frustration. The travelling support, the backing we get is fantastic. At the moment, we’re not rewarding that. That’s a big disappointment.”

The former Scotland international finished his playing career at Hearts after having played for Kilmarnock, Rangers, Everton and Norwich City.

Naismith took his first steps into coaching as a youth coach at Tynecastle and also assisting with the national team.

After a spell in charge of the Hearts B team, he stepped up as interim manager following Robbie Neilson’s departure in April of last year.

While he was given responsibility for the first team on a permanent basis just two months later, his job title was initially technical director, with McAvoy named as head coach while the team competed in Europe as Naismith did not have the required license.

Naismith too the team to third place in the Premiership last season, securing group stage European football, and was rewarded with a contract extension.

New players were brought in during the summer to allow the team to compete in Europe and domestic competition but league and cup results meant that Naismith’s time in the job came to an end just nine games into the new campaign.