Hearts sack second manager of the season following defeat to Dundee
Hearts have dismissed Neil Critchley after Saturday’s 1-0 Premiership loss to Dundee at Tynecastle Park, where Simon Murray’s goal secured a crucial victory for the visitors. The defeat leaves Hearts only five points clear of the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining.
Critchley, who succeeded Steven Naismith in October, becomes the second manager dismissed by the Edinburgh club this season. His assistant, Mike Garrity, has also been let go. During his six-month tenure, Critchley oversaw 35 matches, winning 15.
In a brief statement, Hearts confirmed the departure of their English coaching duo and announced that first-team coach Liam Fox will step in as interim manager for the remainder of the campaign.
The statement read: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that it has today parted company with Head Coach Neil Critchley and his assistant Mike Garrity. The club would like to thank Neil and Mike for their efforts and wish them the best for the future. Liam Fox will oversee first-team duties on an interim basis. No further comment will be made at this time.”
When Critchley arrived on 15 October, Hearts were rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table with just two points from their opening eight matches — their worst-ever start to a league season. Despite steady improvements under Critchley, the campaign was marred by disappointing exits from multiple competitions.
Hearts crashed out of the UEFA Conference League after failing to win any of their last four group matches, despite early victories over Dinamo Minsk and Omonoia Nicosia. They also missed out on a top-six Premiership finish and suffered a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen after extra time at Hampden Park.
Saturday’s home loss to Dundee in their first bottom-six fixture proved to be the tipping point, leading to Critchley’s dismissal shortly after addressing the media post-match.
Liam Fox, a lifelong Hearts fan who briefly managed the team earlier in the season between Naismith’s exit and Critchley’s appointment, will now take charge. Fox previously led Hearts to a draw with Ross County, a win over Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan, and a loss to Aberdeen.
His immediate task is to keep Hearts clear of the relegation battle. They currently sit five points above Ross County, who occupy the relegation play-off position, and face a crucial trip to Dingwall next weekend.
