Neilson sacked by Hearts after fifth successive loss

Hearts took the "extremely difficult decision" to sack Robbie Neilson on Sunday in the aftermath of the Scottish Premiership side's fifth consecutive defeat.

Neilson was jeered by their fans after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat against St Mirren left his team in fourth place in the top-flight.

Hearts responded by axing their manager as they try to get back on track in the race to qualify for Europe next season.

"Heart of Midlothian Football Club can confirm that it has parted company with manager Robbie Neilson," a Hearts statement said.

"Robbie has been a key part of the club's ascent back to the upper echelons of Scottish football, delivering another Championship title, a third-place finish, two Scottish Cup finals and European group-stage football in the process."

"This was an extremely difficult decision to reach, and we would like to thank Robbie for all of his efforts."

Neilson took charge of Hearts for the second time in 2020 after leading Dundee United to the Championship title, a feat he repeated with the Tynecastle club.

Hearts secured an extended run in Europe in the Conference League group stage after a third-placed finish last season and a Scottish Cup final defeat by Rangers.

In January this year, they were seven points clear in third place, but their season began to unravel with defeats against Motherwell, Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and St Mirren in their last six league games.

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© Agence France-Presse