ROBBIE NEILSON'S first match as Hearts head coach will be against a team heading in the opposite direction after his relegated club agreed to face promoted Hamilton Academical next month.

The Tynecastle side will travel to New Douglas Park on Wednesday July 9, as the club's new regime under Neilson and director of football Craig Levein prepares for a crucial season battling for promotion in the SPFL Championship with Rangers and rivals Hibernian.

Hearts have already confirmed a friendly meeting with Paul Hartley's Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday July 22, just four days before the kick-off to the new season in the Ramsdens Cup.