Hearts boss Neilson finds sacking of Hibs rival Ross 'disappointing'

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson found Hibs’ decision to sack manager Jack Ross “disappointing” but sees it as indicative of the expectation in the modern game.

Ross was dismissed after a defeat to Livingston left the team with one win in nine league games but he leaves a week before Hibs compete in the League Cup final.

Neilson said the news that his city rival had left his job was shocking but not surprising.

“Obviously it is always disappointing to see a fellow manager lose his job,” he said.”It comes as a shock to everyone whenever someone loses their job but it is part of football these days.

“A brilliant season last season and going through a wee sticky patch and it seems to be the way now. It is the same everywhere.”

Neilson admitted that the precarious nature of the business was countered by the rewards and enjoyment of working day-to-day and he doesn’t think that anyone would be put off the job.

“There are parts that we love, parts that we don’t love but that is just the way the game is,” he said.

“I like a lot of it. I like being on the training pitch, I like the build-up to the games, I like the games. There is a lot I like.

“There are parts of the game, probably over the last 10 years that has started to become more pressurised but that is part of life isn’t it?

“Everyone wants to be the manager, coaches, part of football. It is the way it is.

“There’s that many good coaches and managers out there just now, I am sure the list will be extremely long.

“There’s a number of managers who will be keen on that job.”