Neil Critchley has been sacked as Hearts head coach just six months after his appointment following Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Dundee.
The former Blackpool boss was brought to Tynecastle in October with the club rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
The 46-year-old has steered Hearts 11 points clear of the foot of the table but faced criticism for failing to lead the team into the league’s top six.
There was further disappointment last weekend, with a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen.
In his 35 matches in charge across all competitions, Critchley won 14 and lost 14 but was adamant after the Dundee defeat that he could turn the situation around.
“I understand the frustration when we don’t score at home and get beat,” he told BBC Scotland. “I’m comfortable with [the expectation].
“I believe that I’m the man to get us out of this situation and move the club forward in the future.”
Having gone four league games without scoring, the Edinburgh side are now eighth, five points above the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining.
Critchley’s assistant Mike Garrity also departs, with coach Liam Fox taking control on an interim basis.
