Hearts have lost their last eight games in all competitions and are bottom of the Scottish Premiership after six matches; Steven Naismith was awarded a new contract six weeks ago but has lost every match since signing his new deal; B-team boss Liam Fox in interim charge of first-team
Sunday 22 September 2024 18:11, UK
Hearts have sacked head coach Steven Naismith after an eighth successive defeat in all competitions.
The 38-year-old was named interim boss in April 2023, before eventually becoming permanent head coach five months later.
He guided the club to third in the Premiership last season - finishing 12 points clear of the rest - as well as the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions.
Naismith was rewarded with a new contract just six weeks ago with a club statement saying Hearts had gone "from strength to strength" since he and the backroom team took over.
However, the club have lost every match since that new deal, with Saturday's defeat at St Mirren leaving the Tynecastle Park side bottom of the Premiership with just one point from six matches.
Assistants Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy have also left the club.
B Team head coach Liam Fox will be interim manager, assisted by Angus Beith and Lee Wallace.
Speaking to the club website, Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay said: "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."
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