Wed Sep 25 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Hearts Embracing Analytics in Manager Search, Shankland’s Future Up in the Air
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay has confirmed the club will be using an analytics company to help them find a new manager following the sacking of Steven Naismith. This decision comes after reports of a potential £10 million investment deal with Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who owns a successful analytics company.
McKinlay refused to confirm the identity of the analytics company but said it was an exciting prospect for the club. He assured fans that the club was committed to finding the right manager, “we are working on it tirelessly.” He confirmed interim manager Liam Fox is not in the running for the permanent position and that the search will focus on external candidates.
On the topic of captain Lawrence Shankland’s future, McKinlay confirmed the club had made an offer for an extension to his contract but it was rejected. He hinted that there was no immediate offer on the table but expressed hope that Shankland would stay beyond the final year of his contract.
When asked about rumors linking him to the vacant CEO role at Rangers, McKinlay vehemently denied any conversations with the club. He reiterated his commitment to Hearts and said he is focused on his current role.
McKinlay also addressed the recent dismissal of manager Steven Naismith, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision given the club’s dismal start to the season. He acknowledged Naismith’s achievements in the past, including securing European group stage football for three consecutive years, a first for the club.
The news comes amidst a wider context of the club’s potential £10 million investment deal with Tony Bloom, which McKinlay highlighted as a positive development. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to adopt a more data-driven approach to football management, similar to Bloom’s successful model at Brighton.
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