Neil Critchley has been confirmed as the new Hearts manager as they bring to a close their search for a Steven Naismith replacement.
After enlisting the help of Brighton owner Tony Bloom and his data analytics company, the Jambos landed on two leading candidates in the former QPR and Blackpool boss and Norwegian Per-Mathias Hogmo.
We revealed Critchley was a frontrunner and when Hogmo dropped out of the race, the club pressed on with plans to appoint the 45-year-old.
That’s despite considering others, like Swede Kalle Karlsson, former Wales boss Robert Page and Gary Rowett, formerly of Birmingham and Millwall.
Critchley confirmed as Hearts manager
Hearts have now confirmed the appointment of the Englishman as their new boss.
And he brings experienced assistant coach Mike Garrity who has worked for Blackpool, Liverpool, QPR and Lincoln City.
In a statement on the club website, CEO Andrew McKinlay said: “I’m very happy to be able to welcome Neil to Hearts.
“We’ve made no secret of the fact that analytics has guided our search for a new manager, and that data presented us with many top quality options including Neil.
“During the interview process, we got the opportunity to hear from applicants and get a better understanding of them as people and in particular how they have dealt with and learnt from particular situations both positive and negative in their careers.
“In addition, we were able to ascertain who would fit best into our new model going forward which includes the use of analytics for recruitment and the appointment of a new Sporting Director with very clear ideas of what we need to do to succeed. This was a vital part of our deliberations as any appointment has to be fully bought into this to ensure that we have the maximum chance of success.
“Following these discussions, it became very clear who the standout candidates were.
“Neil understands well what we are looking to do, has experience at big club environments, none more so than at Liverpool, and is an ambitious coach with a desire to lead his teams to the top.
“Everyone at Hearts is looking forward to Neil getting to work and I’m sure our supporters will give him a warm welcome when we play St Mirren on Saturday, and continue their unrivalled backing of the team.”
Graeme Jones’ words on the new appointment
Jones added: “I have been privileged enough to be involved in this process ahead of officially commencing my role as Sporting Director at Hearts, and I have been impressed at how robust and concise it has been.
“Our analytics partners, who have an extremely good track record of managerial appointments in the UK and abroad, worked with us to provide a shortlist of compelling and contrasting options, which through interviews and negotiations have led us to today’s announcement.
“Neil was the outstanding candidate based on the analytics, and having spoken with him at length I believe he is who we need to provide success as the club prepares to enter a new, exciting era.
“For Neil to succeed he, like anyone, will need the right environment and I will work closely with him to provide that environment.”