Hearts Football Club has terminated the contract of head coach Neil Critchley. This decision comes right on the heels of a disappointing 1-0 loss at home to Dundee in their first post-split match on Saturday. The loss led to immediate backlash from the fanbase, which was vocally felt both during and after the match. Dismissed along with Critchley was his assistant, Mike Garrity, as the club aims to try and reverse its recent fortunes.
Critchley’s contract with Hearts runs to the end of the 2026/27 season. During his time at the helm, it hasn’t been smooth sailing, as despite winning 14 matches, he lost 13 out of 35 games at the helm. Despite lifting Hearts off the bottom of the table, he faced mounting criticism for failing to secure a spot in the top six. Just last weekend, his team took another bruise, losing to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
Supporters vented their anger vociferously at half-time and full-time during the game with Dundee. Their disgust wasn’t simply evident because they were bad — fans were outraged at what the team put on the field. Critchley had backed himself to get it right before in recent weeks. He thinks the next four games are an opportunity for them to put up or shut up.
“I totally understand frustration when you lose at home,” – Liam Fox
In light of Critchley’s departure, Liam Fox has taken interim charge of Hearts for the second time this season, having previously filled in after the sacking of Steven Naismith. Fox will be under severe scrutiny moving forwards as he attempts to lead the club through a tough run of matches. Looking forward to the semi-finals! Initially, they will play Ross County, away, on May 3. Finally, they host Motherwell on May 10 and St Johnstone on May 14. Don’t miss the away game at Kilmarnock on May 18!
Even in his concluding statement Critchley admitted that the side’s offensive woes should be a primary focus for discussion.
“We lacked quality, composure and a bit of belief in the second half. We’ve got four games to go and we’re in a fight. We need to show the right level of application and fight to get ourselves out of the situation we’re in.”
Fox now inherits a team under pressure, and knows well the expectations that accompany the job of managing Hearts. He’s very much glass half full when looking at the prospects for a possible turnaround in their last handful of fixtures.
“There’s an expectation at this football club which I’ve said I’m more than comfortable with – I believe in the next four games we can prove that and I’ll prove that.” – Liam Fox
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