GARETH AINSWORTH has thrown has hit into the ring to be the next manager of Hearts, a report suggests.
The Tynecastle club are on the hunt for a new boss after sacking Steven Naismith at the weekend.
Gareth Ainsworth was most recently manager of QPR[/caption]
He enjoyed promotion success with Wycombe[/caption]
Naismith, 38, paid the price having overseen a run of eight games without a win.
He said in the wake of his dismissal that he believes the current squad had the potential to turn things around.
In a statement, Naismith said: “I am disappointed that my time at Heart of Midlothian Football Club has come to an end.
“This season has been a frustrating one for a number of reasons and ultimately it just hasn’t been good enough. When you’re at a big club with demands and expectations and you go on a bad run of form – pressure is always going to come.
“I would like to thank everyone associated with Heart of Midlothian, where I have spent nearly eight years of my career.
“In my opinion the squad of players has lots of potential, even though this season at times we have struggled to get going, I have confidence that they will fulfil their potential.”
Liam Fox has been placed in temporary charge whilst Jambos chiefs conduct their search for a permanent replacement.
Alex Neil and Stephen Robinson are thought to be among the leading contenders.
Ainsworth, a winger in his playing days, would be considered a surprise appointment.
According to the Daily Record, the 51-year-old is keen on the position and has been waiting for a good opportunity after things went sour for him at QPR.
And with Brighton owner Tony Bloom understood to be considering a £10m investment in Hearts, the club’s managerial position looks as attractive as ever, hence Ainsworth’s application.
Prior to his stint at Loftus Road, Ainsworth was in charge of Wycombe Wanderers for almost 11 years, including stints as player-manager. He won promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.
He managed 550 games at Wycombe, with a win ratio of almost 40% and he gained a reputation for playing attacking football.
Away from the dugout, Ainsworth performs in a rock band called The Cold Blooded Hearts.
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