Steven Naismith's Hearts transfer cherry picking is 'smart' as Davie Martindale points out dual benefit

Steven Naismith anniversary as Hearts boss passed unnoticed on Thursday, perhaps because many people didn’t think he would stay in the job long enough to celebrate it.

His Tynecastle tenure started ominously 12 months ago with a derby defeat and Naismith went on to win just five of his first 16 matches, with fan forums fuming over his appointment. Fortunately for the 37-year-old, the Hearts board kept the faith and he has justified their patience.

Trigger-happy Aberdeen are looking for a sixth manager in three years while Hibs have had four bosses since December 2021. Naismith has proved the benefits of stability by winning 14 and losing only two of Hearts’ last 19 games. That run has seen them nail a third-place finish and book a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden next weekend. Livingston visit Gorgie on Saturday and Lions boss David Martindale reckons Jambos chief Ann Budge and her board are reaping the rewards for backing their man.

He said: “Naisy has done a great job. He had a sticky start until he got his philosophy across but credit to Hearts for sticking with him.

“They’re a fantastically-run club. Ann has done well and now she’s being helped out by Andrew McKinlay, Joe Savage and Naisy.

“When you have the alignment of being well run on and off the park it’s ideal. In order to have success you need the synergy between the people upstairs and the management team.

“Hearts fans have put a phenomenal amount of money into their club and [multi-millionaire director] James Anderson has helped out financially as well. It has allowed Steven to flourish. Going into a stable club with genuine potential has given him that foundation.”

Martindale also praised the Jambos for their policy of cherry-picking