Chris Wilder is new Hearts manager favourite as Tynecastle links hint at serious interest

Chris Wilder is the bookies’ new favourite to take over at Hearts.

Steven Naismith has been handed the reins at Tynecastle on an interim basis until the end of the season. He had been leading the pack to land the gig long-term, but an Edinburgh derby defeat away to Hibs on his first match hasn’t done his chances any favours. Neither did comments regarding the Jambos finishing third not being the “be all and end all”, despite predecessor Robbie Neilson being sacked for blowing a healthy lead in the race to finish best of the rest.

Aberdeen are now in the driving seat and Wilder was linked with a move to Pittodrie after Jim Goodwin was jettisoned, and was on a shortlist of potential replacements. However, the former Sheffield United boss, who has since been appointed at Watford on a similar deal to Naismith’s in Gorgie, withdrew himself from consideration.

Initial feedback from Dons fans was positive, and it's a similar tale from those of a maroon persuasion. Wilder even has links to Hearts, having joined up with a supporters club in the capital last season to attend some games and is understood to at least be open to considering a move to Edinburgh.

The bookmakers now had him ahead of Naismith in the betting. He’s priced at 2/1 with BetVictor.

Next permanent Hearts manager odds

Chris Wilder 2/1

Steven Naismith 5/1

Stephen Robinson 8/1

Frankie McAvoy 8/1

Garry Monk 20/1

Neil MacFarlane 20/1

Danny Cowley 20/1

Nathan Jones 25/1

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