McInnes Set to Arrive as Liam Fox Departs Hearts Amid Summer Overhaul
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes is poised to begin a new chapter at Tynecastle as he prepares to lead Hearts into the 2025/26 season with a revamped backroom team.
Current interim head coach Liam Fox will leave the club following Sunday’s final Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock. The 41-year-old steps away after a brief but effective spell in charge, having steered Hearts to three consecutive wins over Ross County, Motherwell, and St Johnstone—results that ensured their top-flight safety despite a bottom-six finish.
Fox’s departure comes as part of a wider restructuring to accommodate McInnes’ arrival. Former assistants Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald are expected to follow the manager from Rugby Park, assuming roles as assistant coach and first-team coach respectively at Hearts.
This marks the end of Fox’s third stint on the Hearts coaching staff. His long association with the club began in 2015, and since then he has served in multiple roles, including first-team and reserve coach. After a period away working at Livingston, Dundee United, and Aberdeen, he returned in 2023 to oversee the B team before stepping up to the senior setup alongside Neil Critchley last October. Fox has now led the first team twice on an interim basis this season.
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay expressed gratitude for Fox’s service. “Liam has given everything to the club across various roles, and his recent contribution with the first team was particularly commendable,” he said. “As we look to move in a new direction under Derek McInnes, we’ve decided to make a fresh start. We wish Liam all the best for the future.”
Fox, aware that McInnes’ arrival would likely spell the end of his time at the club, spoke candidly about his position earlier this week. “I’m not naive,” he admitted. “When a new manager comes in, things change. But I feel I’ve added value and really enjoyed these past few weeks. I’ve tried to be honest and bring a more attacking style, and the results have shown that.”
While results improved under his stewardship, Fox acknowledged the club’s underwhelming league finish. “This club demands more. We’ve fallen short this season, and that’s something we all accept. But change brings opportunity. I’ve always tried to learn and grow through every challenge, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”
With McInnes set to take the reins and changes afoot, Hearts fans will hope for a more successful campaign next term as the club looks to bounce back stronger.
