Neil Critchley has been sacked as Hearts head coach just six months after his appointment following Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Dundee.

The former Blackpool boss was brought to Tynecastle in October with the club rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

The 46-year-old has steered Hearts 11 points clear of the foot of the table but faced criticism for failing to lead the team into the league’s top six.

There was further disappointment last weekend, with a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen.

Having gone four league games without scoring, the Edinburgh side are now eighth in the table, five points above the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining.

Critchley’s assistant Mike Garrity also departs, with coach Liam Fox taking control on an interim basis.