Premier League
Hearts hire Wouter Vrancken as new head coach
Heart of Midlothian have appointed 47‑year‑old Belgian Wouter Vrancken as head coach on a free transfer, signing a two‑year deal. He replaces Derek McInnes, who left for Rangers after Hearts missed the William Hill Premiership title by minutes in the final game.
Vrancken arrives from Sint‑Truiden, where he guided the Belgian side to a third‑place finish in the top flight. The appointment marks his first managerial role outside Belgium.
McInnes’s departure came after Hearts had led the Scottish Premiership for most of the campaign and were a point clear of Celtic ahead of the decisive match at Celtic Park. His move to Rangers was confirmed earlier this month.
Wouter Vrancken signs two-year deal to coach Heart of Midlothian
In that title‑deciding clash, Lawrence Shankland gave Celtic an early lead, but a first‑half stoppage‑time penalty equalised the score. Celtic later added two late goals, including a strike by Callum Osmand in added time, to seal a 3‑1 victory, while Rangers, led by Martin O’Neill, could not keep the Hearts side at bay. The SPFL released a statement after the match, quoting: “Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and send our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.” The statement also noted referee Don Robertson ended the game when the pitch invasion occurred. Vrancken, a two‑time Belgian Manager of the Year, has signed a two‑year contract and is tasked with restoring Hearts’s ability to challenge Celtic and Rangers next season. The club hopes his experience will help them compete at the top of the Scottish Premiership.