Hearts manager Steven Naismith has been named November’s Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month ahead of the visit of Rangers.
The controversial former Ibrox striker, 37, won all three matches last month, securing victories against Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone.
That good form has continued into December too, with Hearts and Steven Naismith warming up for the visit of Rangers with victory over Kilmarnock.
Combined with Rangers’ win over St Mirren, Hearts are now up into 3rd in the Scottish Premiership table and the Ibrox side know they’ll be in for a battle in Edinburgh.
Steven Naismith “grateful” for Hearts award
Speaking after earning the Manager of the Month award, Steven Naismith has praised his Hearts players for helping to gain the recognition.
Claiming it’s a reflection of the good feeling around the Tynecastle club at the moment, the former Rangers striker has also thanked the fans for their role in the club’s form.
“It’s a nice moment for the club as a whole to receive this award and we’re grateful for it,” Naismith told the official Hearts website. “November has been a good month for us in terms of putting together a consistent run of winning results.
“The players are beginning to stamp our style of play into matches while also adapting to the different challenges that face them on a game-by-game basis, and that is pleasing.
“This award reflects the hard work and effort put in throughout the week by the players and coaching staff, and also the fantastic support offered to us every week by our fans. This award is as much for them as it is anyone else.”
Ex-Rangers hero turned villain
Steven Naismith isn’t exactly Mr Popular at Rangers despite a successful if not injury-hit five years at Ibrox during his playing career.
Undoubtedly one of the best Scottish players of his generation, the forward lifted three league titles, one Scottish Cup and two League Cups during his time with his boyhood club.
But the nature of Steven Naismith’s exit amid the club’s financial collapse in 2012 – where he called a press conference alongside Steven Whittaker claiming the club “no longer exists” – left a salty taste in the mouths of supporters.
Often relishing his position as a source of frustration for opposition teams and supporters alike, Steven Naismith has continued this into management.
Even against Rangers recently, his late penalty groans have drawn attention whilst Hearts have generally offered stiff if not beatable opposition to the Ibrox side as of late.
Now with five wins on the bounce under his belt – the club’s last defeat coming in the League Cup semi-final against Rangers – the Gers will be hoping to end Steven Naismith’s winning streak at Hearts.
The Jambos could also be without three key players ahead of the visit of Philippe Clement’s side.
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