Steven Naismith signs Hearts contract extension as Tynecastle club deal in coaching team for Jambos 'journey'

Steven Naismith has extended his stay in the Hearts dugout for a further year until summer 2026.

Assistant coaches Frankie McAvoy and Gordon Forrest, along with goalkeeping coach Paul Gallacher have also penned longer deals in Gorgie. The rookie boss completed an impressive first full season in the dugout by guiding the Jambos to a comfortable third place Premiership finish last year and reaching the last four of both the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.

A first foray into Europe as a boss required some creativity given Naismith didn't hold his UEFA pro-licence, so McAvoy was initially named head coach and Naismith technical director to get him into the dugout for an impressive win over Rosenborg and an eventual heavy defeat to Greek outfit PAOK in the Conference League playoff round. Now the former Rangers forward will get another crack at it under his proper title, with the Tynecastle club gearing up for a Europa League playoff showdown against either Viktoria Plzen or Kryvbas KR.

Hearts CEO Andrew MckInlay said: “I’m extremely pleased that we have secured Steven, Gordon, Frankie and Paul’s services for another year beyond this campaign.The progress made on the pitch last season was there for all to see and because of that, we have a truly exciting year ahead of us.

“By extending the coaching team’s contracts we are reiterating our trust in them and confirming our belief that they can continue to take the team on an upwards trajectory. Good coaching teams aren’t always in abundance and other clubs are always on the lookout, so the club also has peace of mind in terms of protecting its assets. Steven, Gordon, Frankie and Paul have started the team on a journey and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where they can