Former AZ Alkmaar boss Maarten Martens is in the running for the Hearts manager's job after holding talks with Tynecastle chiefs. The 41-year-old Belgian is a serious contender to replace Derek McInnes after impressing Jambos sporting director Graeme Jones and chairman Calum Paterson in an interview last week.
Appointment timeline set for pre-season return
Hearts hope to appoint their new boss in time for the players returning for pre-season on Thursday. Interviews are now understood to have finished, with Dutchman Rene Hake still the bookies' favourite to land the job. But Martens has emerged as a contender.
The former Belgium international midfielder is out of work after being sacked by Dutch side AZ in January. He is eager to get back into management and is keen on the Gorgie gig, having shown up well on the Jambos' Jamestown Analytics recruitment tool.
Martens' track record at AZ Alkmaar
Martens guided AZ to fifth spot in the Eredivisie in his first season, 2024-25, while also finishing runners-up in the KNVB Cup, losing to Go Ahead Eagles in the final on penalty kicks. A run to the last 16 of the Europa League also brought wins over Roma, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce before AZ crashed out to eventual winners Tottenham.
Martens was relieved of his duties in January after a poor run of results left AZ in mid-table. But the former attacking midfielder, who spent eight years as a player at AZ where he won the Eredivisie title in 2009, is credited with an attacking, front-foot style.
Decision expected in coming days
Hearts bosses are expected to make their decision in the coming days. The Jambos head out to Spain for pre-season next Monday.
