Hearts have made an official move to bring Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes to Tynecastle as they step up the search for Neil Critchley’s successor.
The 53-year old has delivered success with St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock throughout his time as a head coach in Scottish football and a big part of that has been his signings. It’s fair to say the former Rangers midfielder has a preference for UK based players which brings up the question of what that means for the current oversees players at Tynecastle and the club’s current recruitment process involving Jamestown Analytics.
Here are the 116 signings that McInnes made for Aberdeen and Kilmarnock:
53. Tommie Hoban
The Irishman looked like a quality player when he was fit but his career was ruined by injuries. Signed on loan from Watford and then permanently after that for a total of two seasons in the North East. | SNS Group
54. James Wilson
Before Hearts produced a wonder kid striker with the same name there was the Englishman who looked set for a bright future with Manchester United. It didn't pan out though and Aberdeen was just one stop on a downward trajectory leading to Salford City, Port Vale and now Northampton Town. | SNS Group
55. Max Lowe
Another terrific loan capture by McInnes. The full back looked a real player and went back to Derby County a first team player before Sheffield United signed him to play a part in their Premier League survival fight. Now player for their rivals Sheffield Wednesday. | SNS Group
56. Greg Stewart
After his first loan spell failed to impress he went to Kilmarnock where he once again lit up the Scottish top flight. The Dons took him back again but for whatever reason they just couldn't get the best out of him. Stewart signed for Rangers the following season. | SNS Group