Neil Critchley wants to put a team on the pitch that Heart of Midlothian fans are excited about.

The 45-year-old has been installed as the club's new head coach following a search that was led by the club's analytics partners.

Following his appointment he shared a message to supporters on the club's official site, stating his desire for the team to be one fans want to come and support and a team that no one wants to play against.

Critchley will be unveiled to the media later today.

"I’m delighted to join this fantastic football club," he wrote. "Ahead of Saturday, I wanted to say something directly to you.

"We want you to be excited by the team that you see on the pitch and come to support. We want to be a team that nobody wants to play.

"When you come to Tynecastle on a Saturday, the feeling should be optimistic and excited to see a team that gives the support reasons to get on their feet. You should be able to see the passion of the support reflected in the team.

"This is an exciting time for the club, and it rightly has high expectations. That starts with a simple objective; winning football matches, and our first opportunity to address that is when we play St. Mirren in Gorgie on Saturday.


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"The passion for this football club I’ve experienced in my short time here has warmed me. There’s passion, but also great compassion shown both by the people who work here and the supporters.

"I promise I’ll give this club everything. You very quickly come to understand how much Hearts means to those who care most about it, and how much of a difference it makes to their lives by giving them a successful team.

"I can’t wait to start this journey, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of the players and getting down to work straight away.

"See you on Saturday."