Derek McInnes philosophy, formation and style of play

We assess what Derek McInnes could bring to Hearts following his appointment as the Jambos' new manager ahead of next season.

Neil Critchley was relieved of his duties as Hearts manager following the club's failure to finish in the top six of the Scottish Premiership, with Liam Fox placed in interim charge at Tynecastle.

With ex-Aberdeen boss McInnes having now been formally announced as the new leader in the Hearts dugout, we dissect the 53-year-old's managerial credentials in detail.

Football background

Born in Paisley, Derek McInnes came through the youth ranks at Greenock Morton and made 224 league appearances for the club.

A defensive midfielder, McInnes landed a move to Glasgow giants Rangers from Morton in 1995 and although he struggled for consistent game time at Ibrox, he was a dependable squad player in his five years at the Gers.

The remainder of McInnes' playing career saw him turn out for West Brom, Dundee United, Millwall and St Johnstone, while he also received two international caps for Scotland in 2002.

CV and achievements

McInnes began his managerial career with St Johnstone - his final club during his playing days - in November 2007.

A young manager aged only 37, McInnes guided St Johnstone to the Scottish First Division title in May 2009.

Following interest from West Brom and Watford, McInnes eventually moved on from St Johnstone with Bristol City in October 2011.

After steering the Robins to Championship safety in his first season at the club, the wheels eventually came off for McInnes at Ashton Gate and he was sacked in January 2013.

A return north of the border followed for McInnes, with the ex-Rangers midfielder enjoying a largely successful eight-year tenure as Aberdeen manager between 2013 and 2021.

During his time at Pittodrie McInnes led the Dons to the Scottish League Cup trophy in 2014 and four second-place finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

McInnes' most recent managerial role has been at Kilmarnock, leading the Ayrshire outfit to the Scottish Championship title in 2022 and restabilising the club in Scotland's top flight.

Honours

St Johnstone:

• Scottish First Division - 2008/09

Aberdeen:

• Scottish League Cup - 2013/14

Kilmarnock:

• Scottish Championship - 2021/22

Win ratio

Club	Total matches	Wins	Win ratio (%)
St Johnstone	177	71	40.11%
Bristol City	63	17	26.98%
Aberdeen	378	202	53.44%
Kilmarnock	158	61	38.61%

Formation, philosophy and style of play

A vastly experienced manager in the Scottish game, McInnes' teams can be characterised by their organisation, competitiveness and physicality.

McInnes' most successful Aberdeen team which won the Scottish League Cup in 2014 was constructed in a 4-5-1 shape, with two mobile and tricky wingers in Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes flanking an imposing focal point up front in Adam Rooney.

The Scottish manager has also been known to utilise a 4-4-2 set up, using this formation regularly during his tenure at Kilmarnock.

Again McInnes placed great emphasis on two wide players providing industry and creative threat at Kilmarnock, with the likes of Danny Armstrong, Matty Kennedy and Fraser Murray influential figures.

Overall, whether it be in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 shape, McInnes will construct his teams to be difficult to beat first and foremost whilst carrying an attacking threat which is spearheaded by pace and directness out wide.

What to expect from Derek McInnes at Hearts

How McInnes will set up Hearts in the 2025/26 season will be dependent on the club's summer transfer business.

The biggest question mark hanging over the Hearts squad is the future of talismanic striker Lawrence Shankland, with the Scotland international's contract at Tynecastle set to expire this summer.

With Hearts reportedly the only team to have tabled a contract offer for Shankland, and the striker having worked with McInnes before at Aberdeen, there appears a growing confidence on the maroon side of Edinburgh that the 29-year-old will pen a new deal with the Jambos.

Incoming Hearts boss McInnes is likely keen to build his team around Shankland, with the recruitment of pacey wide players to supply him with chances key for the Jambos this summer.

With regards to recruitment, McInnes will be expected to lean on the expertise of football data analysis firm Jamestown Analytics who became partners with the club late last year.

Jamestown Analytics are owned by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom who is currently in talks to obtain a sizeable stake in Hearts as part of his growing multi-club empire which also includes Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.