A little over three-and-a-half years after leaving Hearts to join MK Dons, Robbie Neilson was confirmed as the club’s new head coach on Sunday replacing Daniel Stendel. During the intertwining period plenty has happened.
Neilson has been down to England, back up and led Dundee United into the Premiership. For Hearts it has been a story of regression. When he left the club sat second in the top-flight. Three-and-a-half seasons and three managers later, the club find themselves staring at least a campaign in the Championship.
Click and scroll through to remember the key moments from Neilson’s previous time in charge at Hearts.
. 02/05/15 SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTS v RANGERS TYNECASTLE - EDINBURGH Hearts manager Robbie Neilson celebrates with the Scottish Championship trophy ** ROTA IMAGE - FREE FOR USE **
Robbie Neilson is back at Hearts after three and a half years away. Picture: SNS Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
. Robbie Neilson appointed
The new look Hearts set-up and structure is put in place with Craig Levein installed as director of football and Robbie Neilson as head coach, taking over from Gary Locke following relegation to the Championship. Photo: SNS Group Gary Hutchison
. Gomis signing
The Senegalese midfielder became the first signing under Robbie Neilson as he sought to put a team together to challenge for the Championship title. Hearts required players with experience to supplement their talented youngsters. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
. Sow beats Rangers
Hearts lay down an early marker in what appears to be a competitive Championship by winning at Rangers on the opening weekend. More than that, it was achieved with a late Osman Sow winner after the Ibrox side had equalised. It was followed by a win over Hibs at Tynecastle the following week. Photo: SNS Group Rob Casey
. Ozturk’s stunner
Having already beaten Hibs earlier in the campaign, Hearts’ 10 game unbeaten run was coming to an end at Easter Road. Step forward Alim Oturk, which he literally did from defence to smash in an incredible stoppage-time equaliser. The normally calm Robbie Neilson went tonto on the sidelines. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
. Falkirk defeat
While the club had suffered defeats in the cup competition, it took until the end of January for the first league defeat to be inflicted. A Craig Sibbald-inspired Falkirk came away with all three points from Tynecastle in an exciting 3-2 encounter. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
. 10 out of 10
At the end of February Hearts hit the headlines for smashing ten past Cowdenbeath in a 10-0 win at Tynecastle. Genero Zeefuik hit a four-minute first-half hat-trick to send Hearts on their way. Photo: SNS Group Alan Rennie
5. Falkirk defeat
While the club had suffered defeats in the cup competition, it took until the end of January for the first league defeat to be inflicted. A Craig Sibbald-inspired Falkirk came away with all three points from Tynecastle in an exciting 3-2 encounter. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
6. 10 out of 10
At the end of February Hearts hit the headlines for smashing ten past Cowdenbeath in a 10-0 win at Tynecastle. Genero Zeefuik hit a four-minute first-half hat-trick to send Hearts on their way. Photo: SNS Group Alan Rennie
7. Title secured without playing
It was only a matter of time before Hearts secured the league title and that came thanks to Hibs’ defeat to Rangers. The Tynecastle side had swept aside Falkirk on the Saturday which meant Hibs had to beat the Ibrox side to keep the title race going. They were unable to. The trophy celebration followed a 2-2 final day draw with Rangers. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
8. Premiership return
Hearts returned to the Premiership in entertaining fashion, defeating St Johnstone 4-3 at Tynecastle with new signing Juanma playing a pivotal role. Neilson steered the side to five straight wins in the league. Photo: SNS Group Craig Jardine;