Ex-Hearts boss Robbie Neilson back in football – as assistant to former Hibs manager

Scottish Sun

15-07-2025

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THEY went head-to-head in the dugout in the Edinburgh derby.
Now former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has linked up with his old Hibs rival in Belgium.
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Robbie Neilson is back in football in a surprise new role
Credit: Andrew Barr
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He has reunited with Lee Johnson abroad
Credit: SNS
Neilson, 45, has reunited with ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson as his No2 at Belgian outfit SK Lommel in a surprise appointment.
Neilson has been looking for his next role in football ever since he was axed by USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies in April.
The former Hearts manager and captain was appointed manager of the American club in 2023 and stayed there for two years before his dismissal earlier this year.
That was his first manager job since being given the boot by the Jambos and his first gaffer role outside of the UK following stints at MK Dons and Dundee United, as well as the Gorgie side.
Now he's back in football after a three-month exile, where he will begin working alongside Johnson at the City Football Group club.
Johnson was appointed Lommel manager in March after a short spell working with Manchester City in a role which saw him prepare their fringe and development players ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Lommel currently play in the Belgian Pro League - the nation's second division - where they finished in 11th place last season.
Neilson will begin working with the team right away alongside Robin Henkens who will also serve as an assistant to Johnson.
The ex-Hearts boss told the club's website: "I spent a few days in Lommel at the end of last season.
"I was very impressed with the professional work environment and the talent within this group.
Robbie Neilson Released by Rangers, finding a home at Hearts, and splitting the Old Firm
"The discussions that followed were excellent, and I'm thrilled to be joining this club. Together with the rest of the staff, we'll do everything we can to get the most out of this group!"
Neilson and Johnson crossed paths in Edinburgh in the 2022/23 season when the Englishman took over at Easter Road.
Johnson failed to beat his counterpart on three occasions as the first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, while Hearts came out on top in the next two meetings with 3-0 wins, including a Scottish Cup triumph at Easter Road.
Neilson was axed in April, 2023, just days before Johnson picked up his first and only win over the Jambos.
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