Critchley sacked by Hearts after six months in charge – Daily Business

Hearts have sacked head coach Neil Critchley after just six months in the post.

The 46-year-old took over in October after the dismissal of Steven Naismith with the Edinburgh club at the bottom of the Premiership.

Despite steering the Jambos to within touching distance of the top six, failure to make the top half and the chance to qualify for Europe combined with last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen saw the pressure mount on the Englishman.

The 1-0 defeat to Dundee at Tynecastle this afternoon left them five points above the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining and proved the final straw for chief executive Andrew McKinlay and the board.

Critchley’s assistant Mike Garrity also departs, with coach Liam Fox taking control on an interim basis.

A club statement said: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that it has today parted company with head coach Neil Critchley and his assistant Mike Garrity.

“The club would like to thank Neil and Mike for their efforts during their time in Gorgie and we wish them well for the future.

“Liam Fox will take control of first-team affairs on an interim basis.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”

The recent recruitment policy at Hearts has come under criticism and pressure will be on McKinlay to make the right appointment.

The likes of Derek McInnes, Stephen Robinson and Alex Neil were all touted as possible contenders last time round and will no doubt be mentioned again as Critchley’s potential successor.