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Hearts Appoint Wouter Vrancken as Head Coach

The Belgian coach was chosen through the club’s Jamestown Analytics process, giving him under four weeks to ready a reshaped squad for Champions League qualifying.

Overview

  • Hearts confirmed the 47-year-old Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Derek McInnes.
  • The club identified Vrancken using its Jamestown Analytics tool and sporting director Graeme Jones said he emerged as a data 'standout'.
  • Vrancken arrives with a reputation for attacking, high‑intensity football and has signalled he will implement a direct, pressing style at Tynecastle.
  • The appointment, announced on Thursday, June 25, comes as Hearts manage heavy squad turnover including the departure of captain Lawrence Shankland and the signing of seven players so far.
  • Vrancken has begun assembling his backroom team, is retaining goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall according to reports, and faces a tight timetable to prepare for the Champions League second‑round tie with Sturm Graz in late July.