Liam Fox told Hearts job chances as Andrew McKinlay gives update on next manager search

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Andrew McKinlay has confirmed that Liam Fox WON'T be offered the Hearts job on a permanent basis.

The Jambos B team coach has stepped up to the top job temporarily after Steven Naismith's sacking at the weekend. Former Dundee Utd boss Fox will prepare the team for Saturday's Premiership clash at home to Ross County, assisted by Angus Beith and ex-Rangers captain Lee Wallace, who are making the step up from the U18s.

Some fans reacted with dismay when Fox was handed the reins following Naismith's sacking. But Tynecastle CEO McKinlay has assured them that Fox's promotion won't be for the long term and he will return to his B team role after the new man has been appointed. He told Hearts TV: "I spoke to Liam on Sunday afternoon and first and foremost I'm thankful to Liam as his guys for stepping up.

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"I think he's the right guy to bring forward given his work with the B team but also he has his European Pro Licence, experience of managing a team at Premiership level so i think he's the right person for this interim period.

"He understands that this is an interim period and he'll give it his best shot but we need to start winning games. He is also aware that we are looking externally for the longer term and he appreciates the reasons why. I have the utmost respect for Liam, he's a very good football coach and will do well for us for as long as he's in the position."

McKinlay also went into more detail as to why Naismith was axed, admitting that a decent second half display in Paisley may have bought him more time, but ultimately the attempts to salvage something from the game only confirmed that it was time to pull the trigger.

He added: "It became evident to me and others ate the weekend that there just weren't signs of us turning it round. I went into the games against St Mirren and Ross County feeling we needed at least four points, ideally six. Having said that, if we'd lost 2-1 at the weekend with a second half performance that was perhaps unlucky or spirited, I perhaps would've thought slightly differently.

"But we didn't. We had a very, very average second half performance. Unfortunately, that left me in no doubt that we had to look at making a change."