Ann Budge insists Robbie Neilson’s future as Heart of Midlothian manager is safe.
The Jambos are 12 points clear at the top of the Championship and on course for a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
But three 1-1 draws in succession have led to frustration among fans, with a minority even suggesting Neilson should be replaced after only a few months back at the club.
But Budge warned against knee-jerk reactions, reiterating that brining Neilson back was a long-term project and that they are still on track to meet pre-season objectives.
She said: “I think one of the problems in football is that some clubs react too quickly. It takes time.
“Robbie came back to us in June so he;s back for what? Eight months?
“He’s brought in a lot of new players but he knows what he wants to do and he knows his fundamental objective this year is to win promotion,
“He’s focused on that.
“Will things go wrong and will there be bumps in the road along the way? Of course there will.
“When I spoke to Robbie about coming back, I said to him I wanted him to view this as a minimum of three years.
“We have to get through this season, we have to re-establish next season and get back to where we need to be.
“He’s safe as far as I’m concerned. I know that’s not everybody’s view, but it’s my view.”
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