Hearts 'should be third', says chief executive McKinlay after Neilson exit
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Watch the defeat that ended Neilson's Hearts reign
Hearts' chief executive says the club "should be in third place" as he indicated it is up to Steven Naismith to prove himself for the manager's job on a long-term basis.
Naismith, 36, has been appointed as interim boss after Robbie Neilson was sacked on Sunday. Naismith's first game is away to Hibernian on Saturday.
Andrew McKinlay says the dismissal was "not a kneejerk or gut decision" after Saturday's loss to St Mirren as Hearts dropped to fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
"We should be in third place and I believe we'll get back to third place by the end of the season," said McKinlay.
"We want to give ourselves the best opportunity in those last seven games of finishing third in the league. We know what comes with that (European qualification) and it's very important to us. The turnover, roughly, you're looking at between £5m and £6m extra.
"I don't think we're that far away from Aberdeen's budget. Our budget is the third biggest.
"Steven is now the incumbent until the end of the season and he has an opportunity to show us why he should be that person longer-term. He's incredibly appreciative of the opportunity and very excited by the chance that he now has. It's up to Steven to show us how much of a serious contender he is."
Neilson, 42, returned to the club as manager in 2020 and oversaw two Scottish Cup finals and a third-placed finish in the top flight last season.
However, five successive defeats meant the club exited this season's Scottish Cup and dropped below Aberdeen in the Premiership.
McKinlay revealed the club were "inundated" with CVs and phone calls within 30 minutes of Neilson's departure but believes the board will take their time over appointing a permanent manager.
"I want a manager that wins games," said the chief executive. "Ultimately, I want a manager that has a proven track record as a winner.
"Over the last few weeks, the results have been poor but I think also the performances have left quite a lot to be desired. We got to a stage where it was hard to see how we were going to be able to turn it around.
"He (Neilson) was very gracious in the discussion we had.
"I wouldn't say I've been disappointed in the recruitment, I think there's been players that we've signed that you could argue haven't been given an opportunity to show how good they are.
"We're expecting players, if they come into the first team at Hearts, they are playing for a team that we believe should be and is the third best team in the league."
Neilson 'immensely proud' of Hearts record
In a statement given to the League Managers Association, Neilson said it was "an honour" to have managed the club and thanked Hearts owner Ann Budge and the board of directors.
"We built a fantastic relationship and I will always have the utmost respect for them," he said.
"My thanks also to the players and staff for their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you all and seeing you develop as both a team and as individuals. To my assistants, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
"I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve together. I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to finish the season strongly and build on the strong foundations already in place."
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