The 30-year-old’s first match is ironically against Mark Warburton’s Rangers side at Ibrox.
New Heart of the Midlothian boss Ian Cathro has told the Scottish Sun that he did hold talks with Glasgow Rangers in 2015.
Rangers, then in the Championship, were linked with Cathro after Ally McCoist’s departure as manager, but eventually turned to Kenny McDowall and then Stuart McCall as temporary replacements before hiring current incumbent Mark Warburton in June last year.
At the time Cathro, who was handed his first managerial role on Tuesday, was employed as assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo at La Liga giants Valencia, and he spent the last 18 months working under Steve McClaren and Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United.
The 30-year-old has admitted, however, that he could have taken the plunge far earlier had the two parties been more inclined.
“There were a couple of meetings [with Rangers] and some chat but it wasn’t right on either side and it never happened,” Cathro told the Scottish Sun.
“Was I close to going there? I don’t really know to be honest.
“Rangers made the step that they did and so far I think they’ve done everything they were meant to do, so it’s gone well.
He added: “The Rangers thing is only a question or a point of discussion because there was a bit of press coverage on that at the time.
“There is no sense of irony around going there now. It was a conversation, no more than that.”
Hearts beat Rangers 2-0 at Tynecastle nine days ago and Warburton’s men will be keen to exact their revenge at Ibrox this Saturday.
The Gers are currently two points clear of the Edinburgh side in second place, with Aberdeen sandwiched between the pair in third.
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