WE'VE FOUND A HIRE PURPOSE

Bloom hails Del's reign.. but he can't take credit

- BY SCOTT McDERMOTT

TONY BLOOM admits he wasn't involved in the hiring of Derek McInnes at Hearts - but says the Jambos gaffer is vital to what he wants to achieve at Tynecastle.

The billionaire Brighton owner, who has invested £10million into the Gorgie club, has been impressed by the impact McInnes has made since taking over.

Sporting director Graeme Jones and Jamestown Analytics had key roles in McInnes’ appointment.

But Bloom, who has a 29 per cent share at Tynecastle, is a big fan of the manager already and believes he'll be pivotal in any success they have this season.

The Englishman has boldly claimed Hearts can split the Old Firm in the Premiership this term — and adamant they can win the title in a decade.

McInnes has got them off to a flying start with league victories over Aberdeen and Dundee United in six days.

And Bloom said: “There's no doubt that at any football club, the head coach is critical.