Hearts overhaul their goalkeeping setup with Paul Gallacher departing and talks ongoing to recruit Gordon Marshall as the club ramps up transfer business
The Heart of Midlothian training set-up at Riccarton is undergoing a notable reshuffle. After a decade on the coaching staff, Paul Gallacher will leave the club when his contract expires, creating an opening that Hearts hope to fill quickly.
The club confirmed Gallacher’s departure in an official statement that acknowledged his contribution both as a player-coach and a long-standing member of the backroom team. Gallacher initially joined the Jambos in 2016 in a dual role as he transitioned away from a near 20-year playing career that included spells at Dundee United, Norwich City and Partick Thistle.
During his career he also earned eight caps for Scotland between 2002 and 2004.
Heart of Midlothian are aiming to have a replacement in place in good time for pre-season as they prepare for European fixtures. The club is in advanced discussions with Gordon Marshall, currently a goalkeeping coach at St Johnstone, who is understood to be willing to rejoin forces with manager Derek McInnes.
Marshall, who is aged 62, brings a long résumé including roles at Hibs, Motherwell, Aberdeen, Alloa Athletic, Queen of the South and Hamilton Academical. He also holds the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma, a qualification required to coach in European club competitions such as the Champions League qualifiers.
What the coaching change means for Riccarton
If the deal to bring Marshall to Tynecastle is concluded, Hearts will gain a coach who has previously worked alongside McInnes at Aberdeen, offering continuity in working methods for the first-team goalkeeping group. The move would also mean St Johnstone will need to appoint a successor ahead of their return to the Scottish Premiership. The club statement praised Gallacher for his stability and mentoring over ten years, highlighting his role in developing and managing senior and emerging stoppers at Hearts. Gallacher has overseen keepers including Craig Gordon, Zander Clark, Jon McLaughlin and Alexander Schwolow, while also helping nurture younger prospects.
Current goalkeeping roster and international connections
At present the Riccarton squad lists Alexander Schwolow as the club’s number one, backed up by Zander Clark and 21-year-old Liam McFarlane. Clark spent the latter part of the season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, and McFarlane was loaned to Alloa as part of his development pathway. The youngster has also attracted national attention: he will train with the Scotland World Cup squad and is set to travel to the United States as a training keeper at the request of national coach Steve Clarke. Meanwhile, veteran Craig Gordon—named in Scotland’s squad despite a shoulder lay-off since January—remains under contract talks as his future at Hearts is undecided.
Licensing and European readiness
Marshall’s possession of the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma is a key selling point for Hearts as they look toward July’s qualifying rounds. That licence confirms his eligibility to coach in UEFA matches, reducing administrative hurdles and allowing the club to focus on sporting preparation. Bringing in a coach with experience of both domestic and continental competition would be aimed at ensuring the goalkeeping unit is ready for high-stakes fixtures early in the season.
Player movement: departures, targets and incoming plans
Off the field, Hearts are also busy reshaping the squad. Several first-team players are due to leave when contracts expire, with defenders Frankie Kent and Lewis Neilson, midfielder Beni Baningime and winger Alan Forrest among those set to move on. At the same time, the club has been active in recruitment, hoping to bring in reinforcements before pre-season. Recent confirmed additions include winger Josh McPake on a pre-contract and French midfielder Tom Renaud close to joining. Discussions are ongoing for other targets such as Calvin Miller and defenders MJ Kamson-Kamara and Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
Transfer approaches and speculative business
International interest has also arrived: Hearts have been linked with a potential move for French striker Amadou Ba-Sy, who is contracted to Rouen and would likely command a fee in excess of €200,000. Separately, the club has received an approach from Greek side Kalamata for winger Kenneth Vargas, who is currently on a 12-month loan at Deportivo Alajuelense that includes a release clause expiring at the end of December. The club is weighing options as it balances squad turnover with European commitments.
Looking ahead
Hearts enter a transitional period on multiple fronts: the coaching change at Riccarton, a wave of contract expiries, and active transfer plans ahead of continental qualifiers. Securing a replacement for Gallacher who can hit the ground running is a priority for the club as they prepare both tactically and administratively for the coming campaign. Supporters will watch closely as talks progress and as new faces are integrated into the club’s setup in anticipation of an eventful summer.
