Tynecastle authorities have compiled a list of names.

Hearts have compiled a list of eight applicants from which they plan to select their new manager. The Edinburgh club is in negotiations with various people and expects to choose a non-Scottish coach as they take a fresh approach following their last two managers, Steven Naismith and Robbie Neilson.

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay provided an update on the recruiting process from the club’s headquarters in Azerbaijan ahead of Thursday’s Conference League opener against Dinamo Minsk. He has received over 100 expressions of interest in the position and has confessed that one of the bookies’ favourites, Arnar Gunnlaugsson, is not on Hearts’ roster.

Jamestown Analytics is collaborating with Tynecastle authorities in the search for Naismith’s replacement, and conversations with British entrepreneur Tony Bloom about a prospective investment arrangement are still ongoing. McKinlay is conducting managerial interviews alongside Graeme Jones, Hearts’ new sports director. They want to have a shortlist of names by next week, followed by a final appointment later this month.

“We had around about 100, I wouldn’t go as far as saying applications, but notes of interest,” McKinlay said. “others are application CVs, others are straight from individuals, and some are obtained through third parties. Then there’s the issue of different agents claiming to be operating for the same management, which is problematic. Then there are some, maybe bosses in particular, who do not want it made public.

“So they don’t say they’re applying; instead, they say, ‘I act for X’. So there are maybe 100 of those. We also have our own opinions on managers we’ve been keeping an eye on or researching. And now, of course, we have the third part: the analytics firm’s perspective on management.

“So what we did was feed everything via the analytics piece. As we mentioned at the end of last week, we have a long shortlist, maybe seven or eight, and we are currently meeting with persons on that list. Now, some of those folks may drop out. It’s just the nature of things. When you start talking to them, they may have indicated some interest, but it may not have been as strong as it appeared. Some of them fall off.

“We’re currently communicating with folks. I had one chat yesterday, and it was between myself and Graeme Jones and one other person. I have two more today. Then I’m hoping to receive a few more over the weekend so that we can narrow it down to a shortlist by next week, which we’ll then present to the board with a recommendation, or enable them to talk with a couple of individuals and see where we go.

“Now that sounds like it’ll be resolved next week. It’s never as simple as that. That is just where my mind is at the time. It will undoubtedly take some time. We’re going to run into problems now and again. When it comes to negotiating contracts, some people are working, while others are not. So it’s tough to say how long that will take right now. It is developing. We had a nice talk with someone yesterday. I am looking forward to the talks Graham and I will have today.”

Hearts are presently at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, with no wins in ten competitive matches, the club’s worst start to a season in its history. When asked if the incoming manager will be Scottish or not, McKinlay explained that Hearts are looking for someone with a different profile. “Probably not Scottish, but not sure yet. Following that, there is a mixed group of individuals from many nations. I would remark that the list does not include anyone that I have seen quoted anywhere. Which is good. Let’s see how long that lasts. It’s probably as you’d anticipate.

“It’s not the same old, same old,” as the saying goes. However, I believe this can be insulting to management. I have no issues with some of the managers listed; they are simply not what we are looking for. We’re seeking to take a fresh approach. You also need to hire management. It’s all well and good using analytics, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that we choose someone who fits within our company culture. Someone with whom I can collaborate, as well as the sports director.

“Our system requires the manager to report to the sporting director, and they must have a solid working relationship. There are all sorts of things you need to elicit from the human that analytics cannot accomplish. It is a fascinating process. Of course, you’ll also need someone who is willing to work with analytics in the future. Because it will be an important aspect of our recruitment strategy.

“I think it’s a step forward in the sense that Steven was a young rookie manager. The metrics we’re talking about look at managers who have improved teams in the past. So, by definition, you need to have some experience. On that premise, it is a distinct profile than Steven. Is this a separate profile than Robbie? Perhaps not. I’m not sure how Robbie’s stats would show up on the analytics. So, yes, it differs from that standpoint.

“Because Aberdeen has a Scandinavian manager [Jimmy Thelin], I believe that is the flavour of the month. He’s doing great, so why wouldn’t it be? I’m not saying we won’t wind up with a Scandinavian manager, but you have to be careful not to say, ‘Oh well, that appears to be what works this month, therefore that’s what we’ll certainly go for.'”

Tynecastle has shown no interest in Gunnlaugsson. “No, that’s not a name we’re looking at,” McKinlay said, adding that Jones’ involvement in the process is crucial. “Yes, enormous. It’s made a significant difference. He has a different perspective than I do on certain issues, which was obviously a worry when Steven left. Graeme does not technically start until the end of November, but the Scottish FA has been quite helpful, and we have achieved an understanding – a legal agreement – that he will be allowed to assist us with this. That is truly functioning great. It is quite vital for that.

“He delivers a unique experience. Also, because the individual will be working with him in the future, you want to ensure that everything functions well. Yesterday, I conducted the interview from here; Graeme was really in Liverpool. He was paying a visit to Richard Hughes, the sports director there. So he’s now doing a lot of work in the rear, seeing lots of different individuals and gathering ideas from them. He will also chat with other teams, including Liverpool. It’s one of them, and analytics has been a major focus for them in recent years.

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