Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson signs new contract

Both Neilson and assistant Stevie Crawford have signed new deals. Picture: SNS

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Hearts have extended the contracts of head coach Robbie Neilson and assistant boss Steve Crawford.

The pair’s new deals run up to the end of the 2017/18 season and display a great show of support to Neilson amid supporter unrest following recent results.

Management at Tynecastle expressed their delight in tying down the duo, citing the excellent progress the club has made over their tenure.

Owner Ann Budge said: “I am very pleased to have secured Robbie and Stevie’s services for the next two seasons, as we continue to build for the future.

“This is a win-win for everyone: the club, the players and the supporters. By continuing to pull together, I am confident we will all achieve our goals.”

Director of Football Craig Levein added: “We came in with a long term plan, we’re ahead of schedule and very happy with the progress our coaching team has made.”

While they’ve hit a rocky road in the last few weeks, Hearts have enjoyed great success since installing Neilson as head coach after the sacking Gary Locke prior to the beginning of last season.

Hearts earned immediate promotion back to the top flight after winning the second tier at a canter.

The Tynecastle side currently sit third in the Ladbrokes Premiership and look favourites to qualify for Europe.

Neilson said: “Stevie and I are very happy to have extended our contracts. We are both young coaches with a lot to learn, and while we’ve enjoyed some real success, we want to deliver more for the supporters.”

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