Bloom’s company to lead the search for new Hearts manager in wake of Naismith’s Tynecastle exit

TONY BLOOM’S data company Jamestown Analytics will lead the search for a new Hearts manager after a disastrous start to the season prompted the sacking of Steven Naismith.

The 38-year-old was dismissed after St Mirren consigned the Gorgie club to a fifth straight defeat in the SPFL Premiership.

Rock bottom of the league and winless after six games, the Tynecastle outfit were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup by Championship side Falkirk before a tame exit from the Europa League at the hands of Viktoria Plzen.

Hearts directors met to decide Naismith’s fate on Saturday night and Mail Sport understands the hunt for a new boss will utilise a new partnership with Jamestown Analytics, the data firm owned by Brighton chairman Bloom which bills itself as a ‘world leader’ in player and head coach recruitment.

This summer the English Premier League side plucked 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler from German outfit St Pauli to succeed Roberto De Zerbi. Bloom’s use of data has also transformed the fortunes of Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, where he is a minority shareholder.

Discussions have taken place over a £10million investment which would see Bloom become a minority shareholder at Tynecastle, subject to the agreement of majority shareholders Foundation of Hearts.

Steven Naismith was relieved of his duties following a disastrous start to the campaign

While an agreement has yet to be formally signed, the first stage of the tie-up will see Hearts work with the football and cricket data specialists to source a managerial appointment likely to stem from outside the circle of names generally mentioned for vacancies in the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts confirmed Naismith’s departure in a statement, with chief executive Andrew McKinlay also confirming the exit of coaches Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy from a management set-up which delivered a third place finish and guaranteed European football last season.

‘Without them we would not have enjoyed the successes of last season,’ said McKinlay. ‘However, things can change quickly, particularly in football, and it has been clear for all to see that things are not working this season. 

‘Results and performances have fallen below the standards expected at this football club and, unfortunately, there is little evidence of any potential upturn in fortunes.

Hearts’ 2-1 defeat at St Mirren on Saturday was the club’s eighth loss in succession

‘With our UEFA Conference League campaign about to commence and the spotlight on our league position, we cannot afford to stand still. That is why we, as a board of directors, have made the difficult decision to part ways with the management team who go with our thanks and best wishes.

‘We will update supporters shortly about next steps in both the short and long terms but, for now, the club shall be making no further comment at this time.’

Former Dundee United manager Liam Fox, currently in charge of Hearts’ B team, has been named interim boss to oversee first-team affairs alongside Lee Wallace and Angus Beith.