Derek McInnes Targeted for Tynecastle Role as Hearts Secure Premiership Safety
Derek McInnes has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Tynecastle, with Hearts now assured of their Scottish Premiership survival. Behind the scenes, interim boss Liam Fox has played a key role in stabilizing the team and guiding them through a critical period.
Fox received the call to step in as interim head coach on the evening of Saturday, April 26, from Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay. It was the second time this season that Fox, a lifelong Hearts supporter, was asked to take temporary charge following the sudden dismissal of head coach Neil Critchley and assistant Mike Garrity. Despite the pressure, with Hearts still not mathematically safe and four crucial games left, Fox didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge.
Since stepping up, the 41-year-old has delivered. In just two matches, Fox has revitalized the side, earning back-to-back victories—a 3-1 win over Ross County and a commanding 3-0 triumph against Motherwell at Tynecastle. His tactical approach, emphasizing attacking football and pace, brought new energy to the team and restored a sense of identity. With Lawrence Shankland at the heart of the attack, supported by natural wingers, Fox’s use of a 4-3-3 formation unlocked the squad’s potential. Shankland netted four goals across the two games, with Alan Forrest adding two more.
Though not complex in design, Fox’s system played to Hearts’ traditional strengths—intensity, creativity, and attacking intent.
This is not Fox’s first spell in charge. Earlier in the season, following Steven Naismith’s departure after a dismal run of form, Fox also took the reins for three games. That short stint included a win in European competition against Dinamo Minsk, a league draw with Ross County, and a narrow defeat to Aberdeen that might have ended differently if not for a red card.
Assisted by B team coach Lee Wallace, Fox has now managed five games in total this season, recording three wins, a draw, and a single defeat. While a small sample, it reflects someone who understands how to prepare and lead a Hearts team. Despite earlier setbacks in his managerial career at Cowdenbeath and Dundee United, Fox has clearly grown from those experiences.
Hearts are now progressing with talks to bring in Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes as their new permanent boss. It’s unclear whether Fox will be retained as part of the incoming coaching team, but regardless, his contributions during this crucial run-in won’t be forgotten.
Having served the club in nearly every coaching role—from youth setups to the first team—Fox has demonstrated loyalty, resilience, and capability. Whether he continues at Tynecastle or pursues his coaching career elsewhere, he’s earned admiration for answering the call when it mattered most.
If Wednesday’s match against St Johnstone proves to be his final outing as interim boss, Fox will leave with his head held high—having guided the team through a tense stretch and proven his managerial potential. While he’s not the long-term answer for now, few would rule out Liam Fox returning one day to lead a confident, attacking Hearts side of his own.
