Frankie McAvoy in Celtic nod to Ange as Hearts head coach opens up on 'humble' journey through football ranks

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. But those fundamentals are polished with a requirement to have every player comfortable on the ball before moving it on - something he doesn’t hide from admitting he’s pinched from Ange Postecoglou.

Those principles were clear to see, if a bit rough round the edges, as Hearts opened their pre-season with a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth in Marbella on Thursday. And McAvoy insists it’s a still of play he, Naismith and McAvoy will continue to drum into their players.

It’s hard to believe just 13 years ago McAvoy was bringing an end to a career spent playing for the likes of Thorniewood United, Blantyre Victoria and his hometown Bellshill Athletic. From that moment on he crammed his coaching education, collecting badges quicker than a boy scout and getting what he reckons was a top grounding at Hamilton Accies under Alex Neil before that duo went