BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is convinced that the club have made the right appointment after former Rangers and Dundee United striker Jon Daly was unveiled as their new Under-20s coach.
Following Jack Ross’ departure from the role last month, Daly will take up the position in January when his playing contract expires at Raith Rovers.
The switch will see the 32-year-old officially retire from the game after Neilson admitted that Daly will not be registered as a player.
And having been his team-mate at Tannadice during the 2011/12 season, Neilson is looking forward to working alongside Daly, who was brought to United by Hearts director of football Craig Levein, on the training pitch.
Neilson said: “We’re pleased to get Jon in. We spoke to a few people.
“Craig knows Jon really well, I know him well because he was the captain when I was at Dundee United.
“He’s a guy who wants to step into coaching and I think he will be well respected by the players. It’s a good appointment for us.
“I liked him as a player and character. He was straight down the middle, did things right, set a good example for the young boys.”
Neilson also confirmed that Daly will not be available for selection on the pitch.
He added: “He won’t be registered as a player. He’s here as a coach, concentrating on that.
“It’s quite young to retire but this is too good an opportunity for Jon to carry on playing for another year or two, then maybe miss out on something like this.”
