Hearts are still looking for a new manager, and the manager of Wycombe Wanderers and QPR is a strong contender.
Former QPR head coach Gareth Ainsworth remains a favourite to capture the vacant manager role at Edinburgh giants Heart of Midlothian as the club continues to hunt for a Steven Naismith replacement.
After an agonising eight-game losing streak, the team fired Naismith on September 23. Liam Fox was temporarily elevated to the position of head coach. Hearts is anticipated to be able to confirm a meeting over the international break.
Since Ainsworth’s termination by QPR in October 2023, he has not had a job. Since leaving Loftus Road, the former Wycombe Wanderers player has been connected to a number of opportunities; however, it is said that he has been waiting for the ideal one.
Regarding Hearts’ employment, what has Gareth Ainsworth said?
Last month, Ainsworth adopted an uncommon tack and formally declared his candidature for the Hearts position. In an interview with the Daily Record, the manager expressed his wish to accept the ‘enticing’ position at Tynecastle.
“I think Hearts is a club that is a little lost,” he stated. “Football needs to be about having a sense of belonging. The magnitude of the club and the experiences it has had play major roles in what seems to be about Hearts.
“After examining everything, you can see that the club is in dire need of a new identity. I want to bring that back in spades. A few years ago, they qualified for Europe, showing us what can and has been accomplished.” When you consider the advancements made during the administration era and the subsequent time, they must regain their status as the third-largest club in Scotland.
“For Hearts, finishing third is the key to winning the league, and that’s what I want to accomplish, season after season, not just once every ten years. It’s a club that players have far too long used as a stepping stone, so I want to bring others along with me.
“That’s not what I want. I want to attract players to Hearts who are certain they will accomplish great things. That’s the message I want to give the supporters, and I want to back it up with tangible outcomes. Being proud of being part of something where everyone at Hearts from the club, players and fans all achieve something together, that’s what entices me about Hearts.”
Hearts will use the Brighton recruitment strategy
Hearts are anticipated to select their new manager by following a similar recruitment strategy to that of Premier League team Brighton. In recent years, the South Coast Club has developed a reputation for finding the ideal individual.
Over the previous five years, the Seagulls have performed admirably under somewhat surprising hires like Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, and now Fabian Hurzeler. It is thought that Hearts formed a subcommittee including executive staff and board members to oversee the manager search within the club.
Additionally, Tony Bloom of Brighton’s Jamestown Analytics club is scheduled to be utilised. Bloom is close to completing a deal with Hearts.
Early in September, there had been rumours that Bloom might spend £10 million in the team. ‘The plan is focused around Hearts using Bloom’s analytical company for player identification and recruitment,’ stated Sky Sports.
Running alongside Liam Fox is John McGlynn.
Given his public remarks, it’s not surprising that Ainsworth is still the clear choice to lead Hearts, although there is competition for the position for the former QPR coach.
Liam Fox, who had previously managed the club’s B team, was promoted to temporary manager in September. Since then, the Edinburgh team has defeated Dinamo Mink in the Europa Conference League and drawn with Ross County before falling to Aberdeen on Sunday. The 40-year-old took charge after the team lost their previous eight games and has now steadied the ship.
As a result, Fox is now the clear favourite to be given the position permanently. The interim manager responded to a question on Sunday on the upcoming few weeks by saying, “Until someone from the club tells me otherwise, I’ll be returning to work tomorrow.
“In addition, the international break is already in effect, which should give the club some extra time to complete the process—which I’m sure they’re already doing. Being in this capacity has been an honour and a privilege, and even in the short term, I’m unhappy that we weren’t able to learn anything from today.”
John McGlynn, the manager of Falkirk, is also a contender. The former Hearts manager guided Falkirk to promotion from League One into the Scottish Championship in the previous season, winning the players’ manager of the year award and staying unbeaten throughout.
Regarding the opening, McGlynn responded, “I’m happy here [at Falkirk] right now.” The lads are playing pretty nicely and I’m quite content working away here now.”
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