Neil Critchley to Hearts timeline revealed as Liam Fox role not ruled out

Hearts are finalising their move to make Neil Critchley their next manager.

The Jambos held in-depth talks with the former QPR boss on Monday. There is expected to be an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours of his Tynecastle arrival. The 45-year-old is expected to bring his own backroom team with Mike Garrity coming in as his No.2. There could also be a place for interim team manager Liam Fox although he is happy to go back to the B team.

Fox took the first-team for training on Monday while Critchley held discussions with club chiefs. Hearts turned to the ex-Blackpool and QPR boss after Norwegian Per Mathias-Hogmo turned down the job last week. Critchley and Mathias-Hogmo had made it down to the final two in their search to replace Steven Naismith, who was sacked last month.

Both were put in front of the Tynecastle board but they were initially in favour of Hogmo due to his experience in the game. Critchley also showed up well via Jamestown Analytics, Tony Bloom’s company, with their own set to invest in Hearts. There has been a negative reaction from a number of Hearts fans but the board believe the new man can win them over.

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