Liam Fox Hearts decision made as Neil Critchley makes coaching moves

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Neil Critchley has certainly got to work early in his Hearts career.

The English coach, 45, was officially appointed by the club earlier this week to replace Steven Naismith who was axed following a dismal start to the season.

No wins from their opening eight fixtures and just two points on the board forced the higher-ups’ hand to get rid of their former coach.

Ex-Queen’s Park Rangers and Blackpool manager Critchley was the coach entrusted with guiding the club to improvement and up the table.

• READ MORE: Neil Critchley makes Hearts captain decision as Lawrence Shankland discovers fate

Third place remains the minimum desire from the boardroom and the fans will accept nothing less.

It has allowed Critchley, then, little time to get his ducks in a row before his first match in charge against St Mirren at home this weekend.

That, however, has not stopped him from confirming two big plans for the year ahead.

We told you this week how Lawrence Shankland had a meeting with his boss and it was then confirmed that the striker would remain the on-field captain at Tynecastle.

Liam Fox has been added as assistant first-team coach at Hearts

Craig Gordon was also told he would be remaining as club captain in a more general sense.

And now B team coach Liam Fox – who had been acting as interim manager during the club’s analytical search for a Naismith replacement – has been added to Critchley’s first-team coaching staff.

It was confirmed this afternoon via Hearts’ social media channels.

The statement read: “Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to announce that Liam Fox has been appointed assistant first team coach with immediate effect.

“A former product of the Hearts Youth Academy in his playing days, Liam spent time within the Hearts backroom staff at various stages of his coaching career between 2015 and 2020, before returning to Tynecastle as head coach of the B team in June 2023.

“The Wee Jambos enjoyed a fantastic campaign under the guidance of Fox, finishing second in the 23/24 Lowland League and scoring 92 goals in the process.

Critchley has wasted no time in making big decisions

“Fox was then appointed first team interim head coach in September and helped the men in maroon kickstart their UEFA Conference League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan.

“Liam will now begin his new role within the first team coaching setup, alongside new head coach Neil Critchley and his assistant Mike Garrity until the summer of 2027.”

Critchley added: “I’m delighted that Liam has agreed to join the first team coaching setup. In the short time that I’ve been at the club, his experience and knowledge of not only the group of players, but the football club in general, has been invaluable.

“Liam has a lot to offer as a coach and I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work with him.”

Fox himself said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Neil, Mike and the club for the opportunity. I’ve really enjoyed working alongside them this week and as a Hearts fan myself, I’m extremely grateful to be given such a role.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for the club, but during my time in interim charge, the players gave me absolutely everything and I’m sure it’ll be the same for Neil and Mike starting against St Mirren on Saturday.”