Now in the former manager camp. Picked up results after Naismith's exit but lack of a statement victory plus bottom six football ends his reign after just six months.placeholder image
Now in the former manager camp. Picked up results after Naismith's exit but lack of a statement victory plus bottom six football ends his reign after just six months. | SNS Group

Where the last 12 Hearts managers are now from rival SPFL foe to league title winner

By Ben Banks

Sports editor and journalist

Published 15th Apr 2024, 19:01 GMT

Hearts have had a range of different managers throughout the years.

Hearts have had the good, the bad and the indifferent when it comes to managerial appointments over the years.

The modern football world rarely throws up lengthy managerial stints these days and chucking Vladimir Romanov into that mix at Hearts in the 2000s and 2010s was never a recipe for longevity. But Hearts have found stability in recent seasons since returning to the Premiership from Championship territory and have confirmed their third season with European football on the spin.

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Steven Naismith is currently winning plaudits for his job in the hotseat ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Rangers, but how did the 12 before him get on and where are they now? Here are the last 12 men before Naismith to have managed Hearts, not including gaffers twice if they have had more than one stint, and caretakers are also omitted.

Former player returned in 2014 as director of football. Continued as DOF while taking over the managerial reins and it all got a bit much, eventually leaving in the early stages of the 19/20 season. Kept St Johnstone up and was sacked just days before Naismith.

5. Craig Levein (August 17 - October 19)

Former player returned in 2014 as director of football. Continued as DOF while taking over the managerial reins and it all got a bit much, eventually leaving in the early stages of the 19/20 season. Kept St Johnstone up and was sacked just days before Naismith. | Getty Images

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Well-respected coach took Hearts on as his first managerial gig and hasn't had one since after a calamitous tenure. Since been a coach at Wolves and Tottenham alongside Nuno Espirito Santo. Returned to management in Portugal with Estoril where after a tough start, is winning plaudits.

6. Ian Cathro (Dec 16 - August 17)

Well-respected coach took Hearts on as his first managerial gig and hasn't had one since after a calamitous tenure. Since been a coach at Wolves and Tottenham alongside Nuno Espirito Santo. Returned to management in Portugal with Estoril where after a tough start, is winning plaudits. Photo: SNS Group Craig Williamson

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The Jambos hero is now an ambassador at Hearts. Appointed boss and guided the team as the club battled administration.

7. Gary Locke (February 13 - May 14)

The Jambos hero is now an ambassador at Hearts. Appointed boss and guided the team as the club battled administration. Photo: Simon Wootton - SNS Group

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Clinched the League One title with Falkirk and was mentioned in the bookies odds with regards the vacant Tynecastle position earlier this season. Departed by mutual consent after poor league results in Gorgie, overseeing a Europa League clash with Liverpool. One game away from a Premiership return.

8. John McGlynn (June 12 - Feb 13)

Clinched the League One title with Falkirk and was mentioned in the bookies odds with regards the vacant Tynecastle position earlier this season. Departed by mutual consent after poor league results in Gorgie, overseeing a Europa League clash with Liverpool. One game away from a Premiership return. Photo: Michael Gillen

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