The hearts have dismissed the main Neil Critchley coach after losing 1-0 at home to Dundee at the Scottish Prime Minister’s Office.
The former head of Blackpool and QPR replaced Steven Naismith at Tynecastle Park last October, with the end of the table club.
Critchley – who had signed a deal by the end of the 2026/27 season – had set up the license plate at the foot of the table, but faced criticism from fans after failing to qualify for the first six.
His team then lost to Aberdeen in Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semifinal last weekend.
The loss to Dundee in their first match after the split on Saturday was welcomed with more fury by fans in half and full time, and ultimately led to him and Mike Garrity’s assistant were liberated from their duties.
Only five points are shared by hearts and Ross County – who are in the Play -off Launch Risk area – with the parties meeting next weekend in Dingwall.
Critchley wanted to prove the wrong doubts
Simon Murray scored the only goal while Dundee beat the hearts
After that loss Critchley, who won 14 and lost 13 out of his 35 matches at the helm, insisted he could turn things into his heart.
“I fully understand frustration when you lose at home,” he said. “There is a reception at this football club that I have said I am more than comfortable with it – I believe in the next four games we can witness it and I will try it.
“I’m sure of my ability to move the team and the group ahead, which we hope will get the club where we love next season.
“We lacked quality, tranquility and little confidence in the second half. We have four games to go and we are in a war. We have to show the right level of application and fight to get ourselves out of the situation we are.”
Fox to get the temporary fee
Liam Fox (R) will receive temporary heart charges after the dismissal of Critchley
Liam Fox, who had grown from team B to get a temporary load after the dismissal of Naismith, was again submitted on a temporary basis.
The former Dundee United chief joined Critchley’s back room team last October and now has to instruct the club away from a removal battle.
In a statement, the club said: “Midlothian’s heart can confirm that today he has shared companies with coach Neil Critchley and his assistant Mike Garrity.
“The club would like to thank Neil and Mike for their efforts during their time in Gorgie and we wish them well for the future.
“Liam Fox will take control of the issues of the first team on a temporary basis. No further comment will be made at this time.”
The remaining matches of the prime minister of hearts:
- May 3 – Ross County (a)
- May 10 – Motherwell (h)
- May 14 – St Johnstone (H)
- May 18 – Kilmarnock (a)
