Hearts' losing streak extended to five matches after a 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren on Saturday; Hearts were overtaken in the cinch Premiership by Aberdeen - having sat third in the table since the start of 2023 - while St Mirren closed to within a point
Tuesday 11 April 2023 16:24, UK
Hearts have parted company with boss Robbie Neilson after suffering their fifth straight league defeat.
Neilson was booed following the final whistle on Saturday after Hearts slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to St Mirren.
The fan-owned club have taken the decision to change manager ahead of next Saturday's Edinburgh derby against Hibs at Easter Road as they try to get back on track in the race for third place and the access to European group-stage football that comes with it.
A club statement read: "Heart of Midlothian Football Club can confirm that it has parted company with manager Robbie Neilson.
"Robbie has been a key part of the club's ascent back to the upper echelons of Scottish football, delivering another Championship title, a third-place finish, a Scottish Cup final and European group stage football in the process.
"This was an extremely difficult decision to reach, and we would like to thank Robbie for all of his efforts."
Neilson took charge of Hearts for the second time in the summer of 2020 after leading Dundee United to the Championship title.
There was no immediate confirmation of the future of Neilson's assistants, Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch, who he brought with him from Tannadice.
Steven Naismith has been in charge of the club's B team in the Lowland League this season and the former Scotland striker could potentially be involved with the first team on an interim basis for the final seven matches of the season.
In a statement issued via the League Managers Association, Neilson said: "I would like to thank Ann Budge and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Heart of Midlothian over the past three seasons. We built a fantastic relationship and I will always have the utmost respect for them.
"My thanks also to the players and staff for their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you all and seeing you develop as both a team and as individuals. To my assistants, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
"Everything we achieved together, winning the Championship, two Scottish Cup finals, a third placed finish and securing European group stage football was with the superb support of the Hearts fans and the Foundation of Hearts. I thank you all for that. I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve together. It has been an honour to be your manager.
"I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to finish the season strongly and build on the strong foundations already in place.
"I'm now looking forward to having a chance to reflect, recharge and prepare for the next opportunity."
Hearts' next Scottish Premiership match is away to Hibernian on April 15. Kick-off 12:30pm.
