Former Birmingham City boss linked with Hearts job as ex-Villa number two also in frame

Hearts are still on the lookout for a new manager after talks with Per-Mathias Hogmo broke down last month – and two new names have thrown their hats into the ring

Former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett is reportedly in the running to succeed Steven Naismith as manager of SPL outfit Hearts.

The Tynecastle club are still on the hunt for a new manager after negotiations with Norwegian coach Per-Mathias Hogmo collapsed due to disagreements over wage demands.

And according to the Sun, Rowett has joined former Aston Villa number two Neil Critchley and ex-Wales boss Rob Page amongst the leading contenders to land the job,

Rowett, who has a wealth of experience in England with the likes of Millwall, Stoke City and Derby County, was most recently in charge of Birmingham City on an interim basis, failing to prevent them from falling into EFL League One. He was also Blues boss from 2014 to 2016 before being sacked in the fallout from a change of ownership at St Andrew’s and replaced by Gianfranco Zola.

Critchley, a former Blackpool boss, was number two at Villa Park under Steven Gerrard. Page, also a former Port Vale and Northampton boss, has been jobless since resigning as Wales manager earlier this year following their penalty shootout defeat in a Euro 2024 play-off final.

Liam Fox, the Hearts B team manager, has taken over as caretaker manager until the club appoints their next permanent boss, and he ended their eight-game losing run by securing a draw at home against Ross County before the international break.