I'D HAVE TAKEN IT TO HEART IF I DIDN'T GET JOB

SENSE OF BELONGING: McInnes feels Hearts is the right fit for his managerial stature

- By Michael Gannon

DEREK McINNES has always fancied the chance to make Hearts great again and he admitted it would have been a kick in the teeth to miss out on the chance yet another time.

The 53-year-old has long fancied this gig. He’s been linked with it often enough. Every time the managerial revolving door at Tynecastle has spun in recent years, his name has been thrown into the mix.

This time Hearts finally took the decision that had been long staring them in the face.

Whether it was the fabled Jamestown Analytics super-computer or just common sense from sporting director Graeme Jones, the Jambos got their man and right from the first minute it already looks like he belongs.

McInnes has endured an awkward week, the angry reaction from Kilmarnock fans to his imminent departure forcing him to stay away from the Rugby Park dugout in the final week of the league season.

But now he’s in the door in Gorgie, the former Aberdeen boss is more than comfortable in his surroundings.

McInnes is seen as something of a pragmatist but in reality he has always sent out his teams to attack, usually with a couple of wide men leading the assault.