Wouter Vrancken will be the new Hearts manager, with the Belgian set to replace Derek McInnes after the latter's departure to Rangers was confirmed last week. Record Sport understands that the Tynecastle club has chosen the 47-year-old former St Truiden boss as their preferred candidate following a thorough interview process.
Hearts' Search for McInnes' Successor
The Jambos, supported by Jamestown Analytics, have been working behind the scenes to identify the ideal successor after last season's agonising second-place finish, which saw them narrowly miss out on an historic Premiership title triumph. Over the past week, the capital club held interviews with several candidates, including former Feyenoord assistant Rene Hake and ex-AZ boss Maarten Martens.
However, sources in Belgium have confirmed that Vrancken will be the new man in the Hearts hotseat. The 47-year-old guided St Truiden to an impressive third place in the Belgian Pro League last season before quitting this summer, insisting he was ready for a new challenge.
Vrancken's Impressive Credentials
Vrancken's success at St Truiden attracted interest from several clubs, including Burnley, Lorient, and Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets, all linked in recent weeks. But after impressing Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones during talks, he will fill the vacancy left by McInnes, assuming a deal can be thrashed out. It is expected that the agreement will be finalised in the coming days.
The Hearts squad are due back to begin pre-season training on Thursday, with a Champions League second qualifying round tie against Sturm Graz coming up next month. A deal for French attacker Sabri Guendouz is also thought to be close after the club agreed a €1 million fee with Beerschot over the weekend.
What This Means for Hearts
Vrancken's appointment signals Hearts' ambition to build on last season's success and challenge for the Premiership title. With Champions League football on the horizon, the Belgian will be expected to hit the ground running and lead the team through a crucial period.
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