Robbie Neilson has penned an emotional farewell message to Hearts' supporters.
The 42-year-old has broken his silence since his sacking by the club on Sunday.
The former boss was under increasing pressure at Tynecastle following a dismal run of results.
The Jambos had lost five successive games in the lead-up to his eventual dismissal, with Saturday's 2-0 loss at home to St Mirren proving to be the final nail in the coffin.
Steven Naismith has been placed in interim charge of the club, stepping up from the B team until the end of the season.
And while he's disappointed to have lost his job at the club he loves, Neilson thanked the fans for their support during his two spells as manager.
He said in a statement released via the League Managers Association: "I would like to thank Ann Budge and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Heart of Midlothian over the past three seasons.
"We built a fantastic relationship and I will always have the utmost respect for them.
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“My thanks also to the players and staff for their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you all and seeing you develop as both a team and as individuals.
"To my assistants, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
“Everything we achieved together, winning the Championship, two Scottish Cup finals, a third-placed finish, and securing European group stage football was with the superb support of the Hearts fans and the Foundation of Hearts.
"I thank you all for that. I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve together. It has been an honour to be your manager.
“I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to finish the season strongly and build on the strong foundations already in place. I’m now looking forward to having a chance to reflect, recharge and prepare for the next opportunity."
Hearts take on Hibs in the Edinburgh derby this Saturday before entertaining Ross County prior to the Premiership split.
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