Hearts appoint Ian Cathro as Robbie Neilson's successor

Ian Cathro has ventured into the managerial arena for the first time after signing a three-and-a-half-year deal to become the new head coach of Scottish outfit Hearts.

In the process Cathro leaves his post at Championship leaders Newcastle where he'd been working as an assistant to manager Rafa Benitez.

Cathro may only be 30-years-old but he has already accumulated a wealth of experience as a coach, in both the UK and Europe, having previously worked at Dundee United, the Scottish Football Association, Rio Ave in Portugal, Valencia in Spain, and most recently Newcastle under Steve McClaren, then Benitez.

However, Cathro now feels the time is right to prove himself in his own right as a manager.

Cathro, who replaces Robbie Neilson in the dugout, takes charge of a Hearts side 3rd in the SPL, two points adrift of Rangers in 2nd.

The young boss can look forward to a match against the Gers in his first game in charge, with the teams locking horns at Ibrox on Saturday.

The duo clashed last week in what proved to be Neilson's final game at the helm, with the Tyncastle side winning 2-0, a result they will hope to repeat this weekend, which would in turn leapfrog the club above their rivals into 2nd spot.

Ian Cathro - Page 33 - The Terrace - Jambos Kickback https://t.co/yUyhC5fO1l pic.twitter.com/qdgEJDdamn

— Jambos Kickback (@jamb0skickback) December 5, 2016