From Angst Ball to Ange Ball - Frankie McAvoy’s footballing education has been a 13-year journey from the bottom to the top.
And now he’s been installed as head coach at Hearts he hopes the rapid ascent hasn’t finished yet. Eyebrows may remain raised over the 55-year-old’s promotion at Tynecastle with Steven Naismith unable to assume the top job without his pro licence.
But McAvoy made clear last week he WILL be calling the shots when the season gets underway in a month’s time as he looks to build on the changes made by Naismith during his spell in interim charge last season.
Jambos fans wondering just how that might look can be assured his style is a balance of old and new. Characteristics he learned in a playing career spent entirely in the unforgiving junior ranks where the key was moving the ball quickly - or facing the consequences - remain important to the straight talking Scot.