The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
No ‘drastic changes by Cathro for Ibrox
Ian Cathro described his first few days in charge of Hearts as “easy”, while insisting there will be no “drastic” changes as he prepares to face Rangers tomorrow.
At his first pre-match press conference as a boss ahead of the trip to Ibrox, the 30-year-old Dundonian said: “It has been long, busy and productive but quite natural…
“And the reasons for that is there is really good staff, there are good people and the players are good professionals and they have enjoyed their work, they have wanted to work. “It has been easy. “There is not a point of making any real changes, or anything massively drastic, that is not what the situation is in this case.
“It is being efficient with our time, it is giving some messages and trying to improve some parts that we can but keeping everyone comfortable.
“The club and team is in a good place so there is no upheaval. It has been as smooth as it probably could be.”
Cathro, who will work with Fifer Austin MacPhee, the Northern Ireland assistant coach, insists he feels “fine” about the prospect of picking his first team as boss, but acknowledged the buck stops with him.
The 30-year-old Dundonian started off his coaching journey with Dundee United’s youth academy before landing posts with Spanish giants Valencia and English Championship leaders Newcastle.
He was confirmed on Monday night as successor to former head coach Robbie Neilson, who left for MK Dons and who was named as Ladbrokes Premiership manager of the month for November.
Cathro, who also worked in Portugal with Rio Ave, also spoke about his first meeting with the Tynecastle players who helped his predecessor to win the manager of the month award.
He said: “I said hello, here is why I am here, here is the type of person standing here in front of you which is an honest one, a supportive one, one who will always tell the truth and we are here because we want to improve and there is space to improve.”