Derek McInnes Speaks at Tynecastle After Being Unveiled as Hearts Manager
Former Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes faced the media at Tynecastle’s Gorgie Suite on 19 May as the new Heart of Midlothian manager. The timing was symbolic—thirteen years to the day since Hearts’ iconic Scottish Cup final victory over Hibs. Now, the club hopes to usher in a fresh chapter of success under McInnes’ leadership. The 53-year-old appeared composed, upbeat, and eager to get started.
He revealed that managing Hearts had been a long-held ambition, and he believes he’s ready to meet the expectations of the Gorgie faithful. After a disappointing seventh-place finish—four spots below their pre-season goal—the club handed McInnes a four-year deal to spark a revival. Speaking to the media, he laid out his vision for restoring Hearts to a competitive position in the Premiership.
McInnes showed strong clarity and an in-depth grasp of what the club requires. His appointment seems a logical move—an experienced top-flight manager joining a club in need of renewed energy. For any doubters, the enthusiasm he radiated filled the room beneath the Gorgie Road Stand. McInnes, who has admired the club from a distance for years, is clearly relishing the chance to lead them.
“Things haven’t been straightforward over the last few days,” McInnes admitted, reflecting on his departure from Kilmarnock. “But the opportunity to manage Hearts is everything I wanted. I’ve always viewed it as a club I wanted to lead. I believe we’re a good match—what I want aligns with what the club wants.
“My aim is to deliver trophies, bring consistent success, and turn Hearts into a real force capable of meeting the high expectations that exist here. I’ve experienced similar pressure before at Aberdeen, another big club, but I feel there’s something special at Tynecastle. With the infrastructure and support in place, it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on.
“I have no regrets about my time at Kilmarnock. It’s a great club where I built strong relationships and enjoyed many highlights. These decisions are often emotional and difficult. Ideally, I would have waited until the end of the season.”
Why McInnes Left Kilmarnock for Hearts
“When I first heard of Hearts’ interest, I was honest with [Kilmarnock chairman] Billy Bowie,” McInnes explained. “I told him I wanted to ensure the club was safe before considering a move. If the two clubs could reach an agreement, I wanted the chance to speak to Hearts.
“Billy’s commitment to Kilmarnock is outstanding—he’s constantly filling the gaps with his support and investment. When we met last Tuesday, he asked me to take charge of the final two matches. As Kilmarnock manager, I respected that and agreed to continue until matters were settled.
“But ahead of the Motherwell match on Wednesday, I felt it needed to be my final game. Sunday’s fixture would’ve been too emotionally charged, and I didn’t want to put the players or fans in that position. The club accepted my decision.
“I had hoped to speak to the media after Wednesday’s match, but the club requested I didn’t. I respected that instruction, even though I faced criticism for staying silent. These situations are rarely easy, and a few more days might have made things smoother.”
