Over a fortnight on from Steven Naismith’s sacking as head coach of Hearts, the Tynecastle outfit are still hunting for his successor after the 3-2 defeat to Aberdeen at the weekend.
The Jambos head coach had led his side into Europe following an impressive third place finish last season, but couldn’t replicate his success at Gorgie in 24/25, and departed Hearts as they propped up the Scottish Premiership table having mustered just one point from six league games.
Naismith was already on borrowed time at Hearts when a 2-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat to Falkirk in August was followed up by defeat to FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League qualifiers, and his fate was sealed when his side limped to poor 2-1 defeat against St Mirren.
Liam Fox has since took interim charge of the Gorgie side and helped them to their first win of the season when he masterminded a 2-1 win over Dinamo Minsk in the club’s opening game in the Conference League. Fox has oversaw a 1-1 draw with Ross County and an unlucky 3-2 defeat to Aberdeen in the league. Has he done enough to convince the Hearts hierarchy he can be the man for the job?
Pundits and fans alike now speculating on who will step into the Gorgie hotseat on a permanent basis, with one ex-Hearts bosses also in contention, according to Gambling.com.
9. Michael Skibbe - 12/1
The ex-Schalke player is currently head coach of J-League outfit Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The 51-year-old didn't have much of a playing career, but has carved out a fine reputation as a coach, managing Borussia Dortmund from u19 level all the way to the senior team, Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen, Greece and Al-Ain. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Arnar Gunnlaugsson - 14/1
The former Leicester City midfielder is now manager of Víkingur in Iceland's top flight, where he has guided them to multiple domestic titles. He was the leading favourite for the vacant Tynecastle role just over a week ago, but appears to be falling out of the running to be named as the new boss according to the latest odds. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images