Steven Naismith responds to next Kilmarnock manager link
The former Heart of Midlothian boss has quickly emerged as a frontrunner to succeed Derek McInnes at Rugby Park.
McInnes has been heavily linked with a move to Hearts with an approach made between the clubs over a deal to take him to Tynecastle.
It's expected McInnes will become Hearts manager next week.
The Kilmarnock manager will not lead the team for the final game of the season, against Hearts, with the club confirming the decision in a statement on Thursday.
Now, Naismith has responded to reports labelling him as a contender to take over at Kilmarnock and replace McInnes.
Asked about a possible return to Rugby Park, as a manager on The Warm-Up, he said: "I'm having a great time here. You flew straight in. No, I'm here!
"My things haven't changed. I will go serious for you and give you a good answer.
"I'm enjoying the time out. It takes over your life, management.
"Whether you say life/work balance, it doesn't. It's on your mind all the time. I loved it, but I've loved my time out.
"I'm at the point where everything needs to be perfect for me; the right club, you believe in what it is, and you're going to make a difference. That's where I sit.
"I have spoken to clubs in the past and I have just felt it's not been right, I will probably speak to clubs in the future and if that changes then my mind will change.
"I'm really relaxed and enjoy my life at the moment."
Naismith is currently away from the dugout after being relieved of his role at Hearts earlier in the season.
However, he has admitted he will return to management when the right offer comes along.
He added: "Everything in your life takes a back seat, whether you like it or not. See for me, that has got to be the way it is, you have got to be 100 percent committed and that is the focus. That is why it is so intense.
"The buzz of me being a manager and what I believe I can give when I am all in, I think I could be a success and I think my first year shows that.
"I'm not putting any pressure, I am not going to jump into a football club just to get back in, I don't think that is the right thing to do.
"If the right opportunity comes and it ticks everything and I'm ready, then I will do it."
A Kilmarnock club statement read: "It has been agreed between our Board of Directors, Derek McInnes and his staff that the best approach would be if they were not in charge for the final match of the season.
"Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald will also not be involved – first team preparation and matchday duties will be undertaken by Chris Burke and Craig Clark.
"We look forward to seeing the blue and white army out in force this weekend as we give the players the send off they deserve.
"More information will follow in due course."
Charlie Mulgrew, Brian Graham and Steven Naismith appeared on The Warm-Up, the William Hill SPFL's weekly preview show. Check out the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWarm__Up
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
'Jagiellonia eye Armstrong after Kilmarnock exit'
Jagiellonia Bialystok are trying to put together a deal to tempt Danny Armstrong, with the 27-year-old winger out of contract with Kilmarnock. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), externalRead Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Former Hearts and Wigan star secures latest club as he completes transfer to EFL club
The former Hearts man has signed for an English club | Getty Images He's formerly of Hearts and his pace is seen as a major plus point with 'best years ahead of him' Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hearts and Wigan Athletic star has signed a two-year deal with an English club after entering free agency. Stephen Humphrys was left assessing his options after a deal at Barnsley ran down. He has now signed until 2027 with Graham Alexander's Bradford City, who were dramatically promoted from League Two last season and into the third tier of English football ahead of this campaign. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Humphrys joined Hearts on loan from Wigan in the 22/23 campaign and was a favourite of the Jambos support during his temporary stint. He scored five times with two assists in 25 games including a memorable strike from distance against Dundee United. Stephen Humphrys on why he's moving to Bradford City The striker said of his switch to Valley Parade: 'Bradford City is such a massive club. I consider it a sleeping giant really. I am delighted to get it done so early before pre-season starts. Everyone saw the scenes last season, on the last day. Obviously, the club got promoted, just seeing those scenes made me want to be a part of it. Hopefully, we can make more memories like that.' Bantams boss Graham Alexander added: 'Stephen will add genuine pace and power to our front line, while giving us an extra goal threat with his finishing ability. I believe he has his best years ahead of him. After meeting with Stephen, I know he is determined and ambitious enough to put the work in to become an even better player. We are very happy to have him here.' A club statement reads: 'Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Stephen Humphrys on a two-year deal upon the expiry of his contract at Barnsley. Humphrys, 27, joins the Bantams with a wealth of experience in the third tier, scoring 52 times in 219 appearances, also boasting 18 assists. The forward was part of the Wigan side which won the Sky Bet League One title in 2021/22, featuring 38 times for Leam Richardson. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former Hearts star message after transfer move 'He switches to BD8 after a season at Oakwell, where he found the back of the net nine times in 37 Sky Bet League One outings, assisting his teammates twice. Standing at 6ft 2ins, the striker represented Hearts in the 2022/23 Europa Conference League, scoring away to Fiorentina. Humphrys turned professional with Fulham, having initially spent time in Bury's academy, and has also enjoyed successful spells with Southend United and Rochdale.' Humphrys sent a message to Barnsley on social media: 'I want to thank every single player, coach, member of staff and most importantly the brilliant fans at Barnsley FC for the time I spent at the club. I've made some friends for life and memories to last a life time. I realised fairly early after the summer that the club weren't in a position to continue the journey so unfortunately, it has come to an end. I believe Conor Hourihane is the man to take the club forward and I want to thank him for trusting me during his time. All the very best for the season and beyond.'
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Top-six finish for Martindale's Livingston?
We asked for your views on Livingston's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 what some of you said:Paul: I believe Livingston will hit the ground running this season. I expect us to pick up points against Kilmarnock and Falkirk to start things off. We'll likely lose at Parkhead, but there's a good chance we could get something from the Hearts game at home. By October, I'd say we'll be sitting Top-six finish, no problem.
