Hearts make approach to Kilmarnock over move for Derek McInnes

Hearts have initiated contact with Kilmarnock over manager Derek McInnes as they look to recruit their new head coach, STV understands.

The clubs are understood to have spoken on Monday as Hearts made it clear they want to speak with McInnes about turning around the team’s fortunes.

After Neil Critchley was sacked last month, the Kilmarnock manager has been identified as the club’s number one target.

The move for McInnes comes after Killie secured their Premiership status for next season, following their win over Dundee on Saturday.

Former St Johnstone, Bristol City, and Aberdeen boss McInnes was appointed Killie manager in January 2022.

That year, he secured the club’s promotion from the Championship to the top flight.

Last season, McInnes guided the Rugby Park side to fourth spot, with Kilmarnock qualifying for Europe for the first time since 2011.

Hearts are looking for a head coach who will bring stability as well as on-field success after a tumultuous season. Steven Naismith was sacked in September with the club sitting at the bottom of the Premiership, and Critchley was shown the exit door after the club failed to make the top six.

Sporting director Graeme Jones was tasked with putting together a shortlist of candidates for the board, after working with Tony Bloom’s working closely with Jamestown Analytics to aid with the appointment.

Understanding and buying-in to the use of the Jamestown’s analytics tool will be a key requirement for any prospective new boss, with Bloom’s £10m investment in the club to be put to a fans’ vote, but experience in Scottish football is also seen to be a valuable asset.

McInnes, who won the League Cup with Aberdeen in 2014, would bring that experience if appointed.