Steven Naismith set for permanent Hearts manager role as Tynecastle board map out appointment timeline

Steven Naismith is edging closer to being appointed permanent Hearts boss.

The Tynecastle board held discussions on Monday and will reconvene on Tuesday morning to finalise details over the managerial vacancy with the interim gaffer's future top of the agenda. Naismith is out of the country on a family holiday but has stated his desire to lead the club next season after stepping up into the first team hot seat from his role with the Jambos B side after Robbie Neilson's dismissal back in April.

Hearts confirmed their fourth placed Premiership finish with a derby draw with Hibs on Saturday and Naismith has impressed in the role which saw just two defeats from his seven games in charge. Record Sport understands the Jambos board are keen to make a decision this week and Naismith could be unveiled next week with Gordon Forrest remaining as a key member of the management team.

Hearts will now still have a crack at the Europa Conference League with a chance to enter that competition at the third qualifying round, if Inverness cause a massive shock by beating Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final it would be the second qualifying stage

One hurdle for Naismith could have been the absence of a UEFA Pro Licence on his CV which is required to manage in continental games but it's also understood he has signed up to gain that qualification which will allow him special dispensation be in the dugout for his club's Euro campaign.

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