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New Rangers manager Derek McInnes has finally addressed his abrupt departure from Hearts, admitting his emotions prevented him from speaking sooner.
McInnes acknowledged that fan frustration over his silence was entirely justified given how dramatically the season concluded for Hearts.
Hearts were minutes away from being crowned Scottish champions on the final day of the season before two late goals kept the trophy at Celtic Park.
The heartbreak was compounded when Rangers moved swiftly to appoint McInnes, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh and chief executive Jim Gillespie acting quickly to bring him to Ibrox.
Hearts had also lost captain Lawrence Shankland during the same turbulent period, leaving the club searching for a new manager after a month of significant losses.
McInnes released an open letter to Hearts supporters through the Hearts Standard, offering his first public comments since the season ended in devastation.
In the letter he wrote: “I’m well aware I haven’t spoken since the last game of the season. I totally understand the frustration from fans around the lack of communication, both from myself and the club, considering the manner in which the season ended. The frustration is justifiable.”
He explained his silence further, saying: “I was so angry and devastated at how it all played out for us after putting so much effort in. The decisions that had a huge impact on the outcome were hard to take. Trying to process it all was part of my thinking as to why I didn’t speak.”
Despite the painful ending, McInnes pointed to several significant achievements during his twelve months at Tynecastle, including a record points total and Champions League qualification.
He reflected fondly on the atmosphere at Tynecastle, saying the stadium felt even more special than usual every time he walked out of the tunnel and into the home dugout.
McInnes wrote: “When I arrived, I said I wanted to make Hearts something. A team that resonated with the supporters and a team that fans were excited to watch on a Saturday, no matter where and when. I believe we achieved that.”
He also highlighted three derby wins and an unbeaten home record among the memorable highlights of what he described as a brilliant season.
McInnes paid tribute to key figures at the club, specifically thanking board member Calum Paterson, colleague Graeme Jones, and staff member Clare Cowan for their support throughout the campaign.
He described Cowan as “as good a member of staff as I’ve ever worked with,” while also thanking Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin for their contributions during the season.
McInnes closed his emotional farewell by expressing regret that his time at Hearts lasted only twelve months, saying: “I wish I’d got to Hearts sooner and that my time at the club was more than 12 months. It was only a short time, but it was a brilliant time. I wish Hearts only good things going forward.”
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