Ex-Aston Villa coach 'in advanced talks' to take over at Scottish Premiership club

Former Aston Villa assistant head coach Neil Critchley is reportedly in advanced talks to take over at Scottish Premiership club Hearts after discussions started with the Edinburgh club over the weekend.

That is according to the Edinburgh Evening News, who report the former Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers boss is hoping to take over at Tynecastle following the sacking of Steven Naismith a number of weeks ago. Naismith was relieved of his duties in the Scottish capital on September 22 following a run of eight-straight defeats after CEO Andrew McKinlay admitted there was “little evidence” the ex-Everton and Norwich City man could turn things around at the club.

McKinlay told the club website last month: “I’d like to firstly thank Steven, Gordon and Frankie for all their efforts over the past year and a half. They worked tirelessly in their roles and without them we would not have enjoyed the successes of last season. 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.

“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 term but for now, the club shall be making no further comment at this time.”

The report from the EEN claims Critchley’s first game will be against St Mirren this weekend if talks reach a positive conclusion. Critchley retired early from his playing career and moved to the Liverpool academy as a coach in 2013. He took charge of two senior games for the Reds during the 2019-20 season, one of which was a League Cup clash at Aston Villa. The Reds had been scheduled to play in the League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup just 24 hours apart, with Critchley and his Under-23s standing in to play at Villa Park as the hosts won 5-0. Later than season, he took charge of an FA Cup fourth round replay that a youthful Liverpool side won 1-0 at Anfield.

He joined Blackpool in March 2020 but left the club in the summer of 2022 as Villa announced him as an assistant coach to Steven Gerrard. He left Villa towards the end of October, however, following the sacking of Gerrard. He joined Queens Park Rangers in December 2022 but returned to Blackpool in May 2023. He was sacked by the club in August after just three games as they lost both league matches and beat Burton Albion in the first round of the League Cup.