Robbie Neilson breaks silence after Hearts sacking

In a statement released via the League Manager’s Association, the 42-year-old said it had been “an honour” to manage the Tynecastle club and that he was “immensely proud” of what had been achieved during his second spell in charge.

Neilson won the Championship in his first season and secured group stage European football by guiding Hearts to third place and the Scottish Cup final in the team’s first season back in the top flight. He was hampered by a number of injuries to key players and a demanding schedule at the start this season. Hearts picked up form either side of Christmas and established a 10-point lead in third place before going into a tailspin in recent weeks.