Thursday June 25th 2026
Hearts new manager Wouter Vrancken (on right) and Sporting Director Graeme Jones
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Hearts have today appointed Wouter Vrancken as head coach on a two year contract.
After a successful season at his hometown club Sint-Truiden, the 47-year-old Belgian manager of the year is aiming to carry on success for the Edinburgh side following a successful season under Derek McInnes.
Former manager Derek McInnes left the club at the end of last season, making a move to Rangers after Hearts finished second in the Scottish Premiership.
Having never worked outside of Belgium football as a player or a manager, Vrancken highlighted that now was the time to move, hoping to continue Hearts’ good form.
At a press conference today at Tynecastle, Vrancken expressed his confidence towards his big move, explaining that he believes the Gorgie side can continue to compete for top spot.
“It feels very good, amazing actually”, he explained when asked about his appointment, “I saw the stadium, I saw some games with the atmosphere. I’m really happy and looking forward to the start.
“We are responsible for the staff, the players and to create a spark in the stadium. From the first minute, you have to show that you want to fight for the logo and fight for the colours.”
Last season, Sint-Truiden under Vrancken’s management finished third in the Belgian Pro League, making it their highest finish in 60 years.
Vrancken explained that he previously experienced similar heartbreak to what the Gorgie side saw last season, explaining that he is hoping a fresh voice can provide hope to the hurting Hearts fans.
Vrancken added: “I respect what they did here last season but it is going to be totally different now because we cannot copy what happened last season. When you have disappointment, you have to just go for the next one and that makes football.
He further highlights that last season’s success was one of the reasons he was drawn towards Hearts, alongside the urge to coach abroad.
Taking charge following Hearts final match defeat to Celtic that lost them the league title, Vrancken expressed his urge to continue to ‘compete with the Glasgow teams’, fighting to finally secure Hearts a Scottish Premiership title.
“We will fight for the best. They had a smell of the title last year, that’s the nicest thing to play for.
“Everybody wants to play for those spots and we have to try our best to get to the level and get the Hearts I want to see.
“First being as good as possible at this, then we can have another great season.”
Having taken Sint-Truiden from relegation candidates to Europa League participants, he highlighted that he has unfinished business in Europe, looking forward to the opportunity to fight for a spot in the Champions League.
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