Hearts are reorganising their goalkeeping staff with Paul Gallacher leaving and Gordon Marshall in advanced talks to take over, while player movement continues ahead of European fixtures
The coaching structure at Hearts’ training base is being adjusted ahead of a busy period for the club. After a decade in the role, Paul Gallacher is set to leave his position as goalkeeping coach when his contract ends, creating an opening that the club hopes to fill quickly.
This internal change comes as the team prepares for continental qualifiers and broader summer squad turnover.
This shift is part of a wider sporting reshuffle at the club. Management are pursuing reinforcements and negotiating departures, so ensuring continuity in the specialised goalkeeping department has become a priority.
The prospective successor brings specific European credentials, which is important given Hearts’ upcoming match commitments.
A planned change at Riccarton
Gallacher’s exit follows ten years working with the Tynecastle coaching group. He initially arrived in a dual capacity as player-coach while winding down his playing career and has overseen several first-team and youth keepers during his tenure.
The club has publicly thanked him for his contribution to the pathway that produced both established and emerging custodians at Hearts.
In response to the vacancy, the club has moved to recruit Gordon Marshall, currently a goalkeeping coach at St Johnstone, who is in negotiations to make the switch. Marshall brings the necessary paperwork to operate in European competition, having completed the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma, and has existing working ties with Hearts’ head coach Derek McInnes from their time together at Aberdeen.
Marshall’s experience and ties to the club
Coaching resume and credentials
Marshall’s coaching CV spans multiple Scottish clubs, including spells at Hibs, Motherwell, St Johnstone, Aberdeen and several others. He has worked with goalkeepers across levels, combining academy development with first-team preparation. That breadth of experience is one reason he is considered a strong candidate to step into the role at Riccarton.
Family legacy and local connection
Born in Edinburgh, Marshall also carries a family connection to Hearts. His father, Gordon Sr., was a central figure in one of the club’s most celebrated eras, collecting two league titles and three Scottish Cups. That local and historical link adds an element of continuity to the potential appointment and resonates with supporters who value roots as well as expertise.
Impact on the playing squad and wider summer business
The goalkeeping department is not the only area undergoing change. Registered shot-stoppers at the club include Alexander Schwolow as the primary option, plus Zander Clark and the younger Liam McFarlane. Clark finished the season on loan, while McFarlane had a loan spell at Alloa and has been invited into national-team training environments, an indication of his development trajectory.
Meanwhile, several first-team players are leaving following contract expiries, with defensive and midfield personnel among those confirmed to move on. Hearts are actively recruiting too: younger signings already agreed include a winger arriving on a pre-contract and a French midfielder set to join, while negotiations are ongoing for defensive additions and a target from the French third tier whose transfer would require a fee in excess of €200,000 (£173,000).
Veteran goalkeeper and transfer activity
Craig Gordon’s situation remains a subject of interest. The goalkeeper was selected for national duty despite injury troubles during the season and is now weighing up his options as his club contract expires. He could remain in a playing capacity, transition into a different role within the organisation, or move elsewhere.
Outgoing loans and external interest
On the wider transfer front, the club is considering offers and approaches for certain loanees and permanent squad members, including interest from abroad for an attacking player currently out on loan. These discussions reflect a pragmatic approach to squad building: balancing development opportunities, financial considerations, and the need to bolster areas ahead of European competition.
As the club finalises staff appointments and transfer business, the priority remains clear: to assemble a coaching team and playing group capable of competing domestically and in Europe. The likely arrival of Marshall would restore an experienced voice to the goalkeeping department, while incoming signings and outgoing moves will shape the first-team picture for the season ahead.
