Derek McInnes breaks Hearts manager silence as Kilmarnock boss makes one thing clear about Tynecastle links

Derek McInnes breaks Hearts manager silence as Kilmarnock boss makes one thing clear about Tynecastle links

McInnes is thought to be the front runner to replace Neil Critchley in Gorgie after leading Killie to top flight safety

Derek McInnes

Derek McInnes refused to rule out becoming the next Hearts manager, but insists there's been no contact between them and Kilmarnock.

Killie confirmed their Premiership status for next season by beating Dundee 3-2 at Rugby Park.

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It comes after a week of speculation linking McInnes with the Tynecastle vacancy.

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Hearts chiefs were due to meet before their game today, which ended in a 3-0 win fior interim boss Liam Fox's men over Motherwell.

It's expected things will start moving next week after narrowing down their options, and that could well see an approach made for McInnes.

But the former Aberdeen manager insists he''s happy in Ayrshire and that if contact is made, then Rugby Park supremo Billy Bowie will be the first to let him know.

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"Obviously I hear all the speculation as much as everybody else but there's been no contact from club to club as far as I'm aware," he told BBC Scotland.

"I've got a brilliant relationship with the club, Billy Bowie in particular and Billy I'm sure would be the first to tell me so it's hard for me to say anything other than that.

"There's been a lot of speculation, I get that. But we've had too much to occupy ourselves with.

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"My full focus has been on trying to make sure we stay alright.

"I've always tried to look after the club. I really enjoy this club, I love this club, it's given me so many highlights.

"For me, days like today make it worthwhile and if anything changes with that, it's outwith my control and there's been no contact.

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"I'm more than happy here and I speak to Billy and the club regularly."

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