Hearts identify Derek McInnes successor as Belgian Coach of the Year set to check in at Tynecastle
Hearts closing in on appointment of new head coach
Hearts are closing in on the appointment of Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach.
The 47-year-old Belgian has emerged as the club's number one choice following talks in recent days and, barring any unexpected late hitches, is set to become Derek McInnes' successor at Tynecastle.
He has managed Lommel, Mechelen, Genk, Gent and Sint-Truiden in his homeland but is intrigued by the chance to take charge of a British club.
Fellow Belgian coach Maarten Martens held talks with Hearts chiefs last week and impressed during his interview, but Vrancken’s added experience appealed to members of the Tynecastle board.
He won the Belgian Cup with Mechelen in 2019 and guided Genk to a runners-up place in the Belgian top flight in 2023.
After an impressive season with Sint-Truiden last year, in which he guided them to third place and European qualification and was named Coach of the Year, he is now preparing for pastures new. He had reported interest from Anderlecht, Burnley and Lorient, plus Bulgarian side Ludogorets, but now has the chance to manage Hearts.
Discussions are still taking place regarding contract terms but both sides are moving towards an agreement. Provided they finalise details with Vrancken, his first competitive game in charge of Hearts would be the Champions League second qualifying round, first leg, away to Sturm Graz on July 21.
Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones and chairman Calum Paterson interviewed various managerial candidates over the last week after receiving a number of recommendations from the club’s recruitment partner, Jamestown Analytics.
They want to appoint Vrancken this week ahead of their training camp in Spain next week.
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