Steven Naismith SACKED by Hearts as Tynecastle boss pays the price for wretched start to campaign

Steven Naismith has been sacked by Hearts after a little over a year in the hot seat.

The former Tynecastle skipper lost his eight game on the spin against St Mirren on Saturday and they remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a dreadful winless start. They drew their opening league game with Rangers but have lost every one since. And, just over a year on from appointing him as permanent head coach, the club have decided to part ways.

A club statement read: "Heart of Midlothian Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Steven Naismith and his assistants Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy. "Steven, Gordon and Frankie leave Hearts following a 17-month spell in the Tynecastle dugout as the club’s management team."

CEO Andrew McKinlay added: “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.”

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