Derek McInnes confirmed as new Hearts manager following Neil Critchley sacking
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Hearts have officially announced the appointment of Derek McInnes as their new manager, securing him on a four-year contract.
The Edinburgh-based club had been on the hunt for a new leader following the dismissal of former Liverpool coach Neil Critchley last month, and with the backing of Brighton owner Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics, they've found their man in McInnes.
McInnes comes to Hearts after a successful three-and-a-half-year stint at Kilmarnock, where he led the team back into the top-flight and secured European qualification in the subsequent season.
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The move for the former Aberdeen boss was hardly a secret, and news of his decision to join Hearts mid-season did not sit well with Kilmarnock supporters.
Consequently, McInnes and his coaching staff were absent from the dugout during Sunday's match in Ayrshire, which saw Stephen Kingsley score a last-minute winner to secure all three points for the away side, reports the Daily Record.
McInnes inherits a Hearts team that fell short of the top six this season, despite finishing third just a year ago.
The season began with Steven Naismith at the helm, but a poor start led to his dismissal and the appointment of Englishman Critchley in November.
Ex-Rangers midfielder McInnes is poised to introduce his own support staff, with Liam Fox - who was promoted from head coach of Hearts B to take on first team responsibilities for the final five games of the season after Critchley's exit - saying a heartfelt goodbye to the club on Sunday. He was informed that he wasn't part of the new manager's future plans.
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