Wouter Vranken is aiming to problem Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers once more for the Scottish Premiership title after being appointed as Hearts’ new head coach.
Vranken signed a two-year contract with Tynecastle on Thursday, changing Derek McInnes, who left for Rangers final week.
The 47-year-old final managed Sint-Truiden within the Belgian skilled league, main them to 3rd place final season, their finest end in 60 years.
He was additionally named Coach of the 12 months within the division, however has determined to go away the membership on the finish of the 2025-26 season to pursue different alternatives in Europe.
Vranken was reported to have curiosity from Anderlecht, Burnley, Lorient and Ludogorets, however he selected the possibility to handle Hearts.
“(The mission is) to compete with the Glasgow staff, enhance once more, have a very good season and battle for the highest spot,” Vranken stated.
“We battle to be the most effective. They smelled a title final 12 months. That is the most effective factor to play for.”
“All people desires to play for that spot and we now have to do our greatest to get to that degree and win the hearts that I need to see.
“To begin with, if we do in addition to we will on this space, we can have one other nice season.”
our gaffer pic.twitter.com/02vdoZJZok
— Coronary heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) June 25, 2026
Along with Sint-Truiden, Vranken additionally managed Lommel, Mechelen, Genk and Ghent in his house nation, and has managed 331 video games throughout his managerial profession.
Of those matches, Vranken has received 165 in all competitions (D73 L93), with a median win fee of slightly below 50%, however has had a tricky battle at Hearts.
McInnes solely managed Hearts for one season, however tried to make them the Scottish Premiership title, however they fell simply quick on the ultimate day of the season.
Hearts went into the ultimate sport in opposition to Celtic assured that even with a draw they may win their first prime flight title since 1960, however they misplaced 3-1 and misplaced their lead.
They’ve sat on the prime of the desk for 250 days and have spent 226 days on prime of the mountain since October.
Vranken’s first official match with Hearts would be the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying spherical in opposition to Sturm Graz on July twenty first.
