Hearts set to appoint Vrancken as head coach

Wouter Vrancken: Hearts set to appoint Belgian coach as Derek McInnes' successor at Tynecastle Park Wouter Vrancken, 47, is expected to be confirmed as Derek McInnes' successor at Hearts in the coming days; he was most recently in charge at Belgian club Sint-Truiden; Hearts finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season Tuesday 23 June 2026 10:18, UK Hearts are set to appoint Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach. The 47-year-old, who was most recently in charge at Sint-Truiden, is expected to be confirmed as Derek McInnes' successor in the coming days. He won the Belgian Cup with Mechelen in 2019 and led Racing Genk to a second-placed finish in the Belgian Pro League two years ago. - Hearts fixtures: Aberdeen opener, live on Sky Sports - Scottish Premiership: Every match across opening weekend live on Sky Sports - Transfer Centre LIVE! | Latest Scottish Premiership news He will now be tasked with building on Hearts' agonising runner-up finish in the Scottish Premiership to Celtic last season, while also guiding them through Champions League qualifying. They will face Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round. The first leg is in Austria on July 22, with the return in Gorgie seven days later. Hearts then kick off their new Premiership campaign away to Aberdeen on August 1, live on Sky Sports. Striker Lawrence Shankland, who was the club's top scorer last season, left to join Rangers before McInnes followed him to Glasgow. The Jambos have already signed six new players, including Calvin Miller and Josh McPake, with Stuart Findlay making his loan move from Oxford United permanent. Why Vrancken? Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones and chairman Calum Paterson have spoken to a number of candidates during an extensive recruitment process. The Belgian has significant managerial experience, taking charge of more than 300 matches across spells with Lommel, Mechelen, Genk, Gent and Sint-Truiden. Former AZ Alkmaar boss Maarten Martens and ex-Feyenoord and Manchester United coach Rene Hake were also considered as McInnes' replacement. Vrancken was identified following input from investor Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics and has remained a standout option. He won the Belgian Cup with Mechelen and was named manager of the year during his time at Genk. He left Sint-Truiden on a high after leading them to third place, their best league finish for 60 years, and securing European qualification. The Hearts squad return for pre-season training later this week, with the club hopeful of having the new head coach in place.