‘I’ll make the final decision’ | Hearts’ McAvoy & Naismith explain who’s in charge

Hearts former academy director Frankie McAvoy insists he will be making the final decisions this season with Steven Naismith adamant he is happy with the management changes.

He was appointed as head coach last month with Naismith taking on a technical director role as he is unable to manage in European competition without his UEFA badges.

Naismith took interim charge of the team for the final seven games of last season following Robbie Neilson’s sacking with many believing he will still be actively in charge.

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But McAvoy has told Sky Sports News that will not be the case.

“The only difference is when it comes to differences of opinion and who we should play and start then I’ll make that decision.

“I think it’s just as simple as that. We work together well, in terms of how we want to set up and want to play, and then we go about that on a daily basis on the training field and on match days.

“At the end of the day, the only difference is who has got the final decision on the starting XI.”

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Naismith took interim charge at Hearts last season

Naismith insists he has a plan in place to complete his Pro License and the structure could change again in the future.

“We’re all very comfortable with the way it has been. Last season we have the seven or eight weeks and we debate things but there’s never been a standoff,” the former Hearts striker added.

“We’re all on the same page and it has been seamless so far.

“I think for the longer term thing there could be changes. The here and now and what we’re dealing with and accepting is this structure and that’s what we’ll go forward with.”

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Defender Frankie Kent tells Sky Sports News what Hearts fans can expect from him and why he made the move to the Scottish Premiership side

Hearts have made three summer signings so far. Defender Frankie Kent has moved from Peterborough United, goalkeeper Michael McGovern joined following his exit from Norwich City and Australia Under-23 midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof moving from Western City Wanderers.

McAvoy is hopeful of adding to the squad before their Scottish Premiership opener away to St Johnstone.

“It’s not quite as easy as saying just get them in and just go and get the targets that you want,” the former Preston boss added.

“What you’ve got to do is go through the process, sometimes it needs to be right for the club and for the player as well.

“We’ve worked hard behind the scenes to identify the targets and now the hard part then getting Joe Savage (sporting director) to go and do his magic and try and get it over the line.

“We’ve got three in and we’re looking to add more hopefully, it won’t be too long before we announce new signings.”

Hearts CEO ‘comfortable’ with management set up

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Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay tells Sky Sports News he has no issue with the club’s management set up as he promises no additions to the squad.

Tynecastle chief executive Andrew McKinlay told Sky Sports News that he has no concerns about how they have set up the club’s management team…

“They’re both involved in the decisions, as is Gordon Forrest (first team coach) and they work very closely as a management team.

“Something we discussed when we were deciding who should have the permanent role here was how well the team had done together.

“Steven’s involved primarily on the transfer side of things, so he works very closely with Joe Savage then they work together with the recruitment team to identify the right people. Then with me, from the financial side, we get to a deal and get the right people in.

“I’m comfortable with the management team and they’re really looking forward to getting going now.”

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