Former QPR manager in 'advanced talks' with new club and could take charge as early as this weekend

Former Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Critchley is in ‘advanced talks’ over his next managerial position. The 45-year-old was sacked from his position with Blackpool in August after 15 months in charge.

Tangerines owner Simon Sadler said of Critchley in a club statement: “Despite his best efforts over the past 12 months, there have been a number of disappointing results and performances which means that a change is needed to give the Club every possible chance of competing at the top end of the division this season.”

His chapter with Blackpool came after QPR sacked him just two months into his tenure at Loftus Road. Critchley was appointed manager of the Rs in December 2022 but after just 12 games and a single win, he was dismissed of his role. His assistants Iain Brunskill and Mike Garrity also left the club.

Lee Hoos stressed the importance of the decision after QPR’s form saw them ‘slip from playoff contenders to one being drawn into a relegation battle’.

After his second sacking in 18 months, Critchley has now been linked with the vacant position at Hearts. Our sister site, the Edinburgh Evening News, has reported that the Scottish Premiership outfit entered negotiations with Critchley over the weekend after their link with Norwegian Per-Mathias Høgmo collapsed on Friday.

It is understood that Critchley is ‘travelling to Edinburgh’ and providing all talks reach fruition, he will take immediate charge of Hearts and be on the sidelines for their match against St Mirren in the league this Saturday. The club’s hierarchy reported ‘moved quickly’ to enter talks with the 45-year-old after the door slammed shut on their link with Høgmo.

The Jambos are in a need of a positive start to their new era under new management. Despite finishing third in the Premiership last season, 12 points clear of fourth-placed Kilmarnock, Hearts are having a torrid time in Scotland’s top flight. They are yet to secure their first win of the season and are currently rock bottom of the table with just two points on the board.

Hearts sacked former manager Steven Naismith last month following eight straight defeats, with his assistants Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy also dismissed.

CEO Andrew McKinlay addressed the ‘difficult decision’ to sack Naismith, stating: “Things can change quickly, particularly in football. Results and performances have fallen below the standards expected at this football club and, unfortunately, there is little evidence of any potential upturn in fortunes. With our Conference League campaign about to commence, and the spotlight on our league position, we cannot afford to stand still.”