Only 'crazy offer' would take McInnes from Hearts - Neilson
Hearts fans won't want to give the suggestion of Derek McInnes leaving the club any credence, but with more success comes more attention. Should Hearts go on to win this season's title, becoming the first non-Old Firm side to do so in 41 years, the eyes of the world will be on Tynecastle for the celebrations, and the eyes of the footballing world will focus on the man who masterminded their triumph. Former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson doesn't expect McInnes to be anywhere else come the start of next season, but knows a "crazy offer" could change anything.
"I'd be surprised if he's not there next season," Neilson said on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "I think obviously the season they've had this year has been amazing, European football next year as well, potential Champions League. "Reinvestment again by Tony Bloom, who's saying the team will be stronger next year.
"Unless it's a crazy offer, which I don't think will come, you know, we're talking about Premiership clubs in England, maybe big teams abroad, I think that's probably the only level Derek's going to jump from. "I think there will be interest. " McInnes was appointed Hearts head coach in May 2025, leaving Kilmarnock after winning the Scottish Championship and then guiding them to European football.
Neilson reckons the only job that could be the right move for McInnes would be to follow in the footsteps of another ex-Killie boss by taking over the national side, but it may come around too soon. "I think the Scotland one is a very interesting one, depending on what happens with Steve [Clarke]," Neilson added. "It looks more and more likely that he's going to be leaving after the World Cup campaign.
"For me, Derek would be the number one choice by an absolute country mile. "The decision is whether Derek wants that job or not, and if he were still at Kilmarnock at this point, I would say that's the guy. "But now he's at Hearts, a potential championship-winning team, European football I just don't think the timing's right for Derek.