Jim Jefferies knows all about the pressures of the Tynecastle hotseat.
But Hearts’ legendary Scottish Cup-winning boss is adamant those demands will not faze the current occupant after Steven Naismith was confirmed as the club’s permanent manager following his spell in interim charge. Naismith has been given the title of technical director as he does not yet hold the UEFA Pro Licence required to manage in European competition, with Frankie McAvoy being named as head coach.
However, Jefferies knows Naismith will be the man in charge, apart from European games until he possesses the necessary coaching qualifications, and insists the challenge for him is to make Hearts Scottish football’s third force and close the gap on the big two. Hearts finished fourth and were a massive 45 points behind champions Celtic and 38 adrift of Rangers. Jefferies knows the club need to mount a greater challenge and said: “I’ve known Steven since he was a boy and he’s got what is required to be a manager.
“I’m sure he’ll show that. He now has this opportunity at a great club, a big club. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does.
“Steven won’t be fazed by the size of the job, he’ll take it in his stride. Remember he has played for Rangers, Scotland, Everton, Hearts.
“There’s been a points gap developed between the big two and the rest and that needs to be far closer. You have to look to challenge the Old Firm, it’s what you’ve got to do at a big club like Hearts. When we won the Scottish Cup in 1998 we were close to them in the league, there wasn’t as big a gap and Hearts need to get back to that.
“If they get closer to the Old Firm the fans will appreciate that. There is pressure that comes with this role but he did well in his matches in charge and this is now a fresh start.
“For all Steven’s achieved he doesn’t have that experience but has Frank McAvoy and Gordon Forrest behind him.”
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