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.
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.
13. Valdas Ivanauskas (March 06 - March 07)
Ivanauskas was promoted to interim head first team coach until the end of the 05/06 season, clinching the Scottish Cup and second place. Became the first foreign manager when appointed permanently in June 06 and left the following March. Last working as Lithuania boss in 2022. | SNS Group
14. Graham Rix (Dec 05 - March 06)
Former Arsenal star Rix arrived in November 2005 but was gone by March 2006 amid rumours of being unhappy with Romanov's hands-on approach. Manager of Fareham Town FC in the Wessex League Premier Division until May 2024 when he was sacked. Photo: Craig Watson / SNS