Derek McInnes has finally broken his silence on his exit from Hearts after being appointed as the new Rangers boss
Newly appointed Rangers manager Derek McInnes has conceded that “frustration is justifiable” amongst Hearts supporters, as he finally spoke out about the gut-wrenching title collapse.
The Jambos were tantalisingly close to clinching the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the campaign, only for two late strikes to hand Martin O’Neill’s side the trophy at Celtic Park.
In the aftermath, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and chief executive Jim Gillespie wasted no time in luring McInnes away from Tynecastle, having previously allowed Danny Rohl to depart for RB Salzburg.
The development leaves Hearts in search of a new manager following a turbulent month that has seen the Edinburgh club relinquish their Premiership title challenge, while also losing skipper Lawrence Shankland and now McInnes himself to the Ibrox outfit.
McInnes acknowledged he was “angry and devastated” after Celtic crushed their historic title aspirations, and had kept quiet while “trying to process” the painful blow, reports the Daily Record.
In an open letter to supporters, published via the Hearts Standard, he wrote: “To all connected with Heart of Midlothian. It was an incredible privilege to manage the football club for the last 12 months.”
He continued: “When I was appointed, there was great delight and personal pride in being in such a position, a position that had appealed to me for a long time. It’s such a special football club and we had such a brilliant season together.
“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.
“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.”
McInnes maintains he delivered on several of his objectives during his time as Hearts manager as he offered an emotional goodbye to the club – pointing to the side’s best-ever points haul and securing qualification for the Champions League.
He said: “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.
“I also wanted to make Tynecastle Park a place fans wanted to come to and a place opposition teams didn’t. I felt Tynecastle was even more special than it normally is and I had that feeling every time I walked out the tunnel and into the home dugout. An unbeaten home record was a brilliant achievement.
“Hearts came so close to completing one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history. Despite how the season ended, it was still hugely successful and memorable. A record points total, Champions League qualification, three derby wins and so many more highs and memories along the way.
“Unfortunately, the team didn’t get what they deserved in the end.
“I want to thank the players and staff. I’ve spoken to every single one of them over the last few days and wish them only well.
“A big thanks to the support I received from the board, particularly Calum Paterson, and also Graeme Jones for a brilliant, strong working relationship.
“I’d also like to thank Clare Cowan for her huge support of me, Alan Archibald, Paul Sheerin and all the players throughout the season. She is as good a member of staff as I’ve ever worked with.
“And, finally, the Heart of Midlothian support. I felt like one of you. The backing you gave me and the team was incredible and helped create something so special. I can’t speak highly enough about the Hearts fans. Thank you.
“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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