coaching changes

Steven Naismith Sacked by Hearts After Unprecedented Eight-Game Losing Streak

Heart Football Club logo with Naismith under pressure after losing streak

Hearts Sacks Head Coach Steven Naismith After Disappointing Run

Hearts Football Club has officially parted ways with head coach Steven Naismith, marking a significant shift in leadership following an eighth consecutive defeat across all competitions. Naismith, who took over as interim boss in April 2023 and was appointed as head coach in September 2023, had previously led the team to promising results.

Early Success Under Naismith

When Naismith took charge, he guided Hearts to an impressive third place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season, finishing twelve points clear of their closest rivals. Additionally, he led the club to the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions, showcasing his potential as a leader.

A Rapid Downturn

Despite being awarded a new contract just six weeks ago, with the club praising his ability to take Hearts "from strength to strength," the results have taken a drastic turn for the worse. The latest defeat against St Mirren has left Hearts at the bottom of the Premiership table, with only one point harvested from six matches. This stark contrast between early success and recent performance ultimately led to Naismith’s dismissal.

Upcoming Fixtures for Hearts

As Hearts looks to regroup after this coaching change, they have a challenging schedule ahead:

  • Ross County (h) - Scottish Premiership - Saturday
  • Dinamo Minsk (a) - Conference League - Thursday
  • Aberdeen (a) - Scottish Premiership - October 6
  • St Mirren (h) - Scottish Premiership - October 19
  • Omonoia (h) - Conference League - October 24
  • Hibernian (a) - Scottish Premiership - October 27 - live on Sky Sports

Scottish Premiership Coverage on Sky Sports

Fans can continue to follow the action in the Scottish Premiership through Sky Sports. Starting from the 2024/25 season, up to 60 matches will be featured across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football. The coverage will also extend to at least five matches from the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL).

Stay Updated with Sky Sports News

Sky Sports News will provide rolling updates throughout the season, ensuring fans remain informed with ongoing coverage of the Premiership and SWPL. With features, highlights, and interviews available on Sky Sports' digital platforms, fans have multiple ways to stay engaged with Scottish football.

Conclusion

The dismissal of Steven Naismith comes as a surprise to many, especially after the positive outlook just weeks prior. Hearts is now tasked with finding a new head coach to turn their season around and overcome this difficult period. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the club moving forward.

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