Axed Hearts boss Steven Naismith breaks silence over sacking with parting plea to Jambos fans
STEVEN NAISMITH saw the Hearts support turn on him in Paisley.
Less than 24 hours later he was OUT.
And the axed gaffer has pleaded with the supporters who called for his head to realise the power they yield at the fan owned club - and to use it wisely.
Naismith opened up on his 18 months at the helm in an emotional - and grateful - statement.
He used it to reel off the successes he enjoyed during his first role asa full-time manager.
And paid tribute to the board who appointed him, the players he assembeld - and the fans who backed him until Saturday's nadir when a defeat at St Mirren saw his spell as boss come to a crashing halt.
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He left the Jambos without a win in EIGHT games, and on the verge of a European campaign in the Conference League.
Naismith was dismissed along with coaches Frankie McAvoy, who deputised for him in Europe, and Gordon Forrest.
He said: “I am disappointed that my time at Heart of Midlothian Football Club has come to an end.
"This season has been a frustrating one for a number of reasons and ultimately it just hasn’t been good enough. When you’re at a big club with demands and expectations and you go on a bad run of form - pressure is always going to come.
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"I would like to thank everyone associated with Heart of Midlothian, where I have spent nearly eight years of my career.
"From my first day I formed a strong connection with the club and all who work there, I knew, understood and appreciated the standards and demands of HMFC and this was something I constantly tried to uphold as a player and manager.
"The Board put faith in me and gave me the opportunity to become a leader of the club and I am truly grateful for that. I fully believe that this board are the right people to guide the club - I truly believe all they want is success. I also believe the club is very near to taking the next step and progressing to the next level continuing on the trajectory it has been on.
"In my opinion the squad of players has lots of potential, even though this season at times we have struggled to get going, I have confidence that they will fulfil their potential. The challenge to play at a big club and deal with the pressure associated is tough at times but once you understand it, and learn to deal with it it’s a great attribute to have - this is something I tried to instil in the squad.
"There is a lot of hard work that goes in day to day at any football club and I want to thank all the staff at the club who work tirelessly - their support was felt throughout my time in charge.
"The fans are a huge part of the football club and their work to secure control of the club is special. Hearts have many great people who follow the club every week, the desire for success is clear to see. I really do hope you get some special moments in the near future.
"Please understand the power of your support when used in the right way. Keep following and backing the players.
"I am pleased that in my first year as a head coach I was able to bring a level of success to the club with: European football, most league wins in nearly 20 years; most away wins in 32 years; and some good individual performances and results.
"My biggest hope is that from my time at the football club I have helped make people better - whether that was on the pitch or off it.”
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Alex Neil has been installed as bookies' favourite to replace the former Everton, Rangers, Kilmarnock and Norwich player - but for the meantime Hearts have appointed Liam Fox and Lee Wallace to take the team while a replacement is found.
The club is expected to use would-be investor Tony Bloom's StatsLizard analytics system to help recruit their new man.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page