Hearts appoint Frankie McAvoy head coach as 'boss' Steven Naismith awaits UEFA coaching qualifications

Hamilton Accies hero Frankie McAvoy has been appointed as the new head coach of Hearts on a two-year deal.

The Bellshill man - who featured for Blantyre Vics, Wishaw, Bellshill Athletic and Thorniewood United in his playing days - has stepped up from his role as Academy Director, which he undertook in February, and he takes on the position working alongside Steven Naismith.

Former Rangers striker Naismith is effectively the club's new boss after a caretaker spell at the end of last season, but as he does not yet possess his UEFA Pro License qualification - a requirement to manage in European competition - McAvoy has be named head coach with Naismith serving as 'Technical Director' in the interim.

Hearts finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership this season to qualify for the Europa Confernece Leaue preliminary rounds.

Naismith won't be able obtain the necessary qualifications until next year, so McAvoy will play a vital role in a three-pronged Tynecastle team that also includes coach Gordon Forrest.

It is a second major managerial role for 55-year-old McMavoy, having taken charge of 33 games as Preston North End manager in 2021 when he took over from fellow ex-Accies Alex Neil.

The pair were coach and manager, respectively, at Accies from 2013-15 and helped the club win promotion to the Premiership in 2014.

Announcing the appointments, Hearts' chief executive, Andrew McKinlay, said: “We are thrilled to confirm Steven, Frankie and Gordon as our coaching team.

"We received a number of excellent applications, and, after a robust recruitment process, we believe the three were the best candidates to lead us into next season while sharing our vision for the club’s future. Steven is an outstanding young coach with a strong