Rene Hake has emerged as a leading contender for the Hearts managerial position as club officials intensify their search for Derek McInnes' successor. The Dutch coach, who served as assistant at Manchester United, has already held discussions with Tynecastle chiefs and is reportedly keen on the role.
Hake's Recent Career
The 54-year-old spent last season as Robin van Persie's assistant at Feyenoord, helping the Rotterdam side secure second place in the Eredivisie. However, he is now a free agent after leaving the club following Van Persie's dismissal. Hake's candidacy has been bolstered by a strong evaluation from Jamestown Analytics, placing him among the final contenders for the job.
Hearts' Search for a New Manager
Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones is leading the recruitment process after McInnes was confirmed as Rangers manager on Wednesday. McInnes came close to leading Hearts to the league title last season, falling just minutes short. The club is interviewing a shortlist of candidates in London and hopes to appoint a new manager before the first team returns for pre-season training next Thursday.
Hake previously worked as Erik ten Hag's assistant at Manchester United but has extensive experience as a head coach in the Netherlands. He has managed Go Ahead Eagles, Utrecht, Cambuur, and FC Twente, having earlier overseen Twente's youth sides. It was in the Enschede youth system that Hake developed a shared football philosophy with Ten Hag, focusing on building a solid structure and promoting youth.
Further Details
The chosen candidate will be allowed to bring their own assistants, following McInnes taking Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald to Rangers. Hake was also a frontrunner for the Leicester City job earlier this summer before former Rangers boss Russell Martin was appointed.
Hearts supporters can expect an announcement within the coming days as the club aims to finalize the appointment before the pre-season schedule begins.
