Heart of Midlothian

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Liam Fox says bringing Barrie McKay in from the cold proves every Hearts player now has a "clean slate".

McKay had not featured in a Hearts squad in 2025 under Neil Critchley before Fox put the 30-year-old winger on the bench for his first game in charge, last weekend's win at Ross County.

"From Barry's point of view, I just thought the way he trained last week was really, really good. There's no doubting Barry's quality on his day," said Fox prior to Saturday's home game with Motherwell.

"And I just felt [the team] having not scored consistently over a period, he might just give you something a wee bit different.

"Like I said to the players last week, there's a clean slate this week, so it's up to you to go and impress and train properly. And Barry did that and he caught my eye.

"We'll have difficult decisions again this week to leave players out. I say to them all the time, don't miss an opportunity, don't make it easy for me to leave you out the matchday squad.

"All I can say is from the period that I've been in this interim charge, Barry's attitude's been really good and his quality's never been down."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts interim manager Liam Fox has been speaking to the media before the visit of Motherwell this weekend.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• On his position: "It's just normal service for me until somebody tells me any different. We've had another good week's training. I'm pleased with how the players have responded again this week, so all focus is on Motherwell."

• Whoever is appointed manager must bring a winning mentality: "They need to win games of football first and foremost. I know that sounds really simple, but it's not for me to sit here and decide and tell you what a Hearts manager is. The club are going through a process. What I can say is it's a brilliant job."

• On whether players will be looking to lay down a marker: "I think that's probably true. What I would say is, I think in an ideal world, you want players to be like that every single day and wanting to impress, to improve, to get better."

• Fox says the "dynamic has totally changed" between players and manager since his playing days: "They [managers] were a wee bit more aggressive and a bit more front foot. But I think players just like clarity. They just want to know where they stand. They like people to look them in the eye and tell them where they are and just be open and up front and honest."

• On bringing Barrie McKay back into the squad last week for the first time in months, Fox says there is a "clean slate" for every player and the midfielder impressed in training.

• On restoring Kenneth Vargas to the starting XI: "I brought Kenny back in really simply because I felt we needed a bit more speed and a bit more width in the team last weekend. Alan [Forrest] and Kenny filled that profile."

• Fox says winning final three games of the season would indicate the quality within the squad. He adds: "It's been a disappointing season, the players have acknowledged that. So we're hoping that come Saturday, we can play some attractive and entertaining football."

• Cammy Devlin returns to the squad after illness but Jamie McCart remains a doubt.

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Would Derek McInnes be a good choice as the new Hearts manager?

The Kilmarnock boss is under consideration, along with St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson and John McGlynn of Falkirk, as the Tynecastle club seek someone with experience of the Scottish game to replace the sacked Neil Critchley.

Mark Atkinson, sports editor of The Scotsman, says McInnes "stands out above the rest of them" because he has already managed a club of similar size, Aberdeen.

"I think you're seeing McInnes' name rise to prominence because of the experience he has," Atkinson told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"You see with clubs such as Hearts when they go for someone like Critchley, a bit of a wild-card appointment, when it doesn't work there's a feeling that you might go back to basics, go back to somebody who knows the Scottish landscape really well.

"Some people would argue that Robinson should be more in the conversation than he is given what St Mirren have achieved. And I think that's a fair argument.

"But it has long surprised me that McInnes has not been taken by Hearts or Hibs given the amount of time they've been looking for managers in recent years.

"He's done a very good job at Kilmarnock and you could argue that his race has almost run at Kilmarnock. What more can he achieve there?

"And just given what he's achieved in the Scottish game, at some point I've always thought he may become a serious contender for one of these roles. It now appears that's the case."

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Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has reiterated his desire to extend his long career but is yet to agree a new deal at Tynecastle.

The 42-year-old is nearing the end of his current contract and reckons the club's search for a new manager will delay a decision on his future.

"I've spoken to the club a couple of times," he told BBC Scotland.

"Obviously we don't have a manager in place at the moment, so things will probably take a little bit longer.

"We'll continue to speak and we'll see what the new manager's plans are when he comes in.

"I just want to play for as long as I can. We'll see how long that is."

Having been overlooked for Euro 2024, Gordon has once again established himself as first choice for Scotland and has no plans to retire from the international scene.

"I'll keep going as long as I possibly can," he said. "I'm really shortening up my goals and just looking one step at a time, one game at a time at the moment.

"I'll concentrate on finishing the season as strong as I can and then see what happens this summer and beyond."

On playing for Scotland, Gordon, who has 81 caps, said it was "the best feeling", explaining: "To walk out, especially at Hampden, to see that crowd and know that everyone is behind you, it's always been the best part of my career.

"I've been so lucky to do it the amount of times I have and that feeling never gets old. When you're standing singing the national anthem, to hear the stadium sing it back, I don't think there's a much better feeling you can get in football."

We asked for your views on Brighton owner Tony Bloom submitting a near £10m offer for a 29% stake in Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: Having Bloom buy into our club isn't going to fix the main issues that currently haunt us. Our current board has squandered over £50m in 11 years and change is needed at the top. Being a successful commercial enterprise isn't how supporters judge a football club's success.

Gordon: A real positive in what's been a season of huge disappointments. Hearts need strong and competent leadership, something hopefully Bloom and his team can provide. Ann Budge needs to step aside, she has had her time and proven her judgement when it comes to footballing matters is way off time and again. The club needs to properly invest in players that will actually improve the team.

Alexander: I just hope the £10m is spent primarily on a couple of decent players who will make a difference from what they are at present. A new training ground has been mooted but I'm hoping that's not the top priority.

Alan: I'd hope this is a good thing for Hearts as things are going great with regular European competition for Brighton and Union SG. No voting rights so can't affect manager selection though with Brighton's last few I'd not complain with assistance on that.

Nelly: As a diehard Hearts fan since 1965, who has been exiled in Sussex for 25 years, I think the news of Bloom's interest in Hearts is fantastic and a potential game-changer. I was at Brighton's last game at the Goldstone and regularly watched them play 'home' games in Gillingham; then the Withdean in the old Division Four. Bloom's money, but more importantly nous, transformed the club into Premier League contenders. Okay he makes a few quid but hey, 'everyone's a winner'. Bite his hand off Hearts!

Steve: I hope analytics prove better than identifying Neil Critchley. I don't see what Bloom gets out of this deal. CEO has to go as he's been responsible for the poor manger appointments even with the help of analytics. The financial help is welcomed, but we lost half of that failing to qualify for Europe.

Paul: It's a no-brainer. This investment comes at a crucial stage as Hearts need to improve on and off the pitch. An astute managerial appointment is also needed.

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Hearts striker James Wilson has been nominated for the Scottish Football Writers' Association young player of the year award.

The 18-year-old forward was also shortlisted for the PFA Scotland prize but lost out to Motherwell's Lennon Miller.

Miller is also in contention for the SFWA award, which is restricted to players eligible for Scotland Under-21s, along with Kilmarnock duo Bobby Wales and David Watson.

Wilson has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season at Tynecastle, scoring six times for the Edinburgh side, and the teenager was rewarded with a senior Scotland debut against Greece in March.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

With the Tony Bloom proposal now out in the open, the Foundation of Hearts membership hold the future of the club in their hands.

Acceptance of £10m from the owner of Brighton for a 29% shareholding seems a good deal. Especially as the shares come with non-voting rights.

Where Bloom can use his influence however will be in the boardroom. Although he won't take a seat on the board his business experience must be utilised and will be invaluable in helping to drive the club forward on and off the pitch.

You only have to look at this year's set of accounts at Brighton - turnover in excess of £220m with a profit of over £84m - to see the impact he has made.

Hearts will be able to tap into Bloom's experience and knowledge of global markets and make the most of them.

But first and foremost, the club must find a new head coach. Falkirk's John McGlynn was the early frontrunner, with Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes and St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson also under consideration.

The victory against Ross County at the weekend has bought the board time and Liam Fox will remain in charge at least for this week's home game against Motherwell.

Former Hearts manager Jim Jefferies ponders whether the club's next manager needs to have a bigger say on recruitment. (Sun), external

Hearts' interim head coach Liam Fox reveals "big players" Cammy Devlin and Jamie McCart were not quite 100% for Saturday's win at Ross County and is not sure whether they will be fit in time to face Motherwell at Tynecastle on Saturday. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Tony Bloom wants to be part of "new glorious chapter in Hearts' history", say the Foundation of Hearts (FoH) after the Brighton owner submitted an offer of just under £10m for a 29% stake in the club.

A consultation period is now under way and fans group FoH, who own the Tynecastle club, will vote on whether to accept the proposal.

Backing of at least 50% is required and the FoH has urged fans to vote in favour of the "proposal which presents an unprecedented opportunity for the club within Scottish football".

Bloom would be purchasing non-voting rights shares, which would not impact the 75.1% voting rights held by FoH.

The FoH statement added: "This opportunity has not come around by accident. Tony Bloom has done his due diligence (as has the club) and he has recognised both the importance of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and its significant potential.

"His past and ongoing successes with Brighton & Hove Albion in England and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium are there for all to see, and with Hearts, he sees the chance to play a part in another success story.

"He believes Hearts can disrupt Scottish football, and he wants to be a part of a new glorious chapter in Hearts' history."

Hearts fans, is this opportunity too good to let slip by or do you have reservations about the deal?

Let us know your thoughts.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

It may have been a Bank Holiday weekend, but hopefully the Hearts board are working overtime in their efforts to appoint the eighth head coach in the 11th year of the 'Ann Budge era'.

That itself is a damning statistic and despite trying to do things 'our way', we've proven we're just like any other football team when it comes to a lack of patience.

That restlessness presented itself last Saturday when we were 1-0 down at Ross County and calls for the board to be sacked and Budge to leave were loud and clear for all to hear.

Fortunately interim boss Liam Fox had selected captain Lawrence Shankland in a number nine role and the striker's double helped secure three points and very likely Premiership survival.

You can see why Hearts are seemingly allowing some media outlets to run with stories that we are looking to ideally appoint someone with Scottish football knowledge, with Derek McInnes and Stephen Robinson the two names now mentioned.

While I admire both managers for what they have achieved individually, I don't think either would be unanimously backed by supporters if appointed.

In his time with Motherwell and St Mirren, Robinson hasn't often had to deal with opposing teams sitting in a low block and looking to counter. Plus, I fear the 'Gorgie stylists' would soon dislike the perceived long-ball football he'd bring.

In terms of McInnes, there's a concern he doesn't sign non-UK or Irish players and so how would that fit in with the Starlizard model of identifying players from around Europe and abroad?

Add in the belief that McInnes wouldn't work under this managerial set-up and potential clashes he'd have with the Hearts hierarchy. Finally, we talk about his style and a lot of the same criticisms that Robinson would get could also be levelled at McInnes.

In fairness to McInnes, he'd come here with a point to prove to the rest of Scottish football given how long he's been in the game.

The ceiling would be entirely up to him and given Tony Bloom's impending investment in the club, there is the carrot to try to end the 40-year stranglehold Celtic and Rangers have had on Scottish football.

I'd absolutely back McInnes to get instant respect in the dressing room.

I said last week that I would want us to be ambitious in our appointment and look outwith Scottish football but if it's McInnes we go for, we need to be ambitious in our backing of him in the transfer market.

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes, who has two years to go on his Rugby Park contract, is the frontrunner to become Hearts' new manager, while Falkirk's John McGlynn is unlikely to be in contention for a return to Tynecastle. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish Gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Lawrence Shankland looked reborn against Ross County, and the Hearts striker takes a spot up top in my team of the week.

He had often been playing in a more withdrawn role under former head coach Neil Critchley, but interim boss Liam Fox pushed the captain further up the park.

That paid dividends in Dingwall as he delivered two goals and an assist as Hearts all-but secured their top-flight status.

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Lawrence Shankland's contribution to Hearts' victory over Ross County.

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Watch all the action from Hearts' 3-1 win over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership

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We asked for your views on Hearts' 3-1 win against Ross County. Here's what some of you said:

Steve: We've been crying out for months to stop playing the three strikers together and for Lawrence Shankland to play up front - what a difference! Great to see Frankie Kent and Craig Halkett playing together again. It wasn't a great game but three vital points. The midfield lacks any pace so we'll still struggle till the end of the season.

Sam: First things first, Hearts are effectively safe. County and Dundee aren't both going to go past Hearts when they've still to play each other. But they should never have been in this position. The bigger concern isn't really two points after eight games, it's not consolidating once they started winning.

Chris: You don't need fancy analytics to tell you that if you play your best striker as a striker, you'll likely get goals. Shankland was superb today as was Forrest. A little too late but a win is a win and I'm happy for Liam Fox who now has a league win to follow his European win.

Denis: Hearts need Fox to stay until at least to the end of the season. He is an unusual commodity - an old-fashioned manager. The County game was another gritty performance which produced three goals. It could have been a far more emphatic result, but for the usual good missed chances.

Steven: It shows the dramatic fall in standards when we, as fans, are worrying about losing at Dingwall and falling into the relegation mire. We have had to sit through weeks of a failed diamond that had no width, no pace, no craft.

Stick Shankland up top and he'll score goals. That simple strategy has cost Neil Critchley his job. Another manager comes up from down south and doesn't understand the dynamics of the Premiership.

Steven H: Pundits have been quick to bemoan Critchley playing Shankland in the number 10 role. What they forget is that Shankland went about 15 games without scoring in his normal centre forward position! Good to see him scoring again though.

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• Ross County have lost their last six games in the Premiership, their last joint longest losing streak was from 7 May to 13 August 2022.

• Ronan Hale has scored his 10th goal in the Premiership this season, netting his second goal against Hearts in four appearances.

• Ross County have conceded 28 first-half goals in 35 games, only St. Johnstone (32) and Dundee (30) have conceded more in the Premiership this season. 17 goals of those have been in the last 15 minutes of the first half.

• The Staggies have also conceded 19 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, more than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Hearts won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 26 February 2025 against St. Mirren (four games without a win).

• Hearts attempted 22 shots in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• Hearts have scored nine goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half, only Celtic (16) and Rangers (11) have scored more in the Premiership this season.

• Lawrence Shankland has now scored nine goals in 12 appearances in the Premiership against Ross County.

• Lawrence Shankland has attempted 90 shots this season, the highest total in the Premiership. He has scored six goals, no Hearts player has more in the league.

Luka Elsner, who has managed nine clubs across Europe, emerges as a candidate for the Hearts manager's job. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Hearts fans, are you breathing sighs of relief after seeing off the Staggies? What about Lawrence Shankland's return to goalscoring form?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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From a Hearts perspective, it's impossible to look past Lawrence Shankland - and to query why the now departed Neil Critchley did not use his captain in a central striking role more frequently.

Shankland showed early glimpses of his vision if not his close control, failing to collect two penetrating passes into his path.

That rustiness did not last long. The skipper swept in Hearts' leveller, nipped in to put them ahead, set up Alan Forrest for a third away goal, and nearly completed his hat-trick late on.

Forrest had spurned several brilliant chances - one created by Shankland - but he and Kenneth Vargas worked well on either flank to provide openings for the Scotland hitman.

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These are grim times in Gorgie, the sacking of Neil Critchley, the unsightly media interactions at the club's player of the year awards night, and the creeping spectre of a relegation battle.

When Ronan Hale slammed County ahead, the ire of the away fans was once again poured all over Ann Budge and the Hearts hierarchy.

Lawrence Shankland, a maligned and out-of-sorts figure for much of the campaign, rode to their rescue.

Often played in a deeper role, the Scotland frontman had scored only five goals this term, but his ruthless instincts re-emerged when played in a more advanced position with ample support from out wide.

Alan Forrest, on the left, and Kenneth Vargas, on the right, stretched County, and Shankland showed class is permanent with his clinical strikes.

On so many occasions last season, Shankland was Hearts' go-to man. His return to the goal trail looks to have come in time to ward off any fears of being drawn towards the Premiership trapdoor.