- Naismith was fired after an eight-game losing streak
- Brighton owner Bloom on the verge of making multi-million pound investment in the club
TONY BLOOM’S data firm Jamestown Analytics will lead the search for a new Hearts manager after a disastrous start to the season led to the sacking of Steven Naismith.
The 38-year-old was sacked after St Mirren condemned the Gorgie club to a fifth successive SPFL Premiership defeat.
Sitting bottom of the league and without a win after six games, the Tynecastle side were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup by Championship side Falkirk before a quiet exit from the Europa League at the hands of Viktoria Plzen.
Hearts directors met to decide Naismith’s fate on Saturday night and Mail Sport understands the search for a new boss will utilise a new partnership with Jamestown Analytics, the data company owned by Brighton chairman Bloom, which promotes itself as a “world leader” in player and manager recruitment.
This summer, the English Premier League side signed 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler from German side St Pauli to replace Roberto De Zerbi. Bloom’s use of data has also transformed the fortunes of Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, of which he is a minority shareholder.
Discussions have been held over a £10m investment that would make Bloom a minority shareholder in Tynecastle, subject to agreement by majority shareholders Foundation of Hearts.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom is set to make a multi-million pound investment in Hearts
Steven Naismith has been relieved of his duties following a disastrous start to the campaign.
While a deal has yet to be formally signed, the first stage of the partnership will see Hearts work with the football and cricket data specialists to secure a managerial appointment who is likely to come from outside the circle of names usually mentioned for vacancies in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts confirmed Naismith’s departure in a statement, with chief executive Andrew McKinlay also confirming the departure of managers Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy from a management structure that saw them secure a third-place finish and European football last season.
“Without them we wouldn’t have enjoyed the successes of last season,” McKinlay said. “However, things can change quickly, especially in football, and it has become clear to everyone that things aren’t working out this season.
‘Results and performances have been below the standards expected at this football club and, unfortunately, there is little evidence of a possible improvement in fortunes.
Hearts’ 2-1 defeat at St Mirren on Saturday was the club’s eighth consecutive loss.
‘With our UEFA Conference League campaign about to get underway and the focus now on our league position, we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing. That is why, as a board, we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with the management team, who leave with our thanks and best wishes.
‘We will update supporters on the next steps in the short and long term soon but, for now, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.’
Former Dundee United manager Liam Fox, currently in charge of Hearts’ B team, has been appointed as caretaker manager to oversee first-team affairs alongside Lee Wallace and Angus Beith.
