Robertson appears obvious choice

STUART BATHGATE

JOHN Robertson, Craig Levein’s own choice to take over as Hearts manager, will be in place by Thursday’s UEFA Cup tie against Schalke if the Tynecastle board have their way. With no official approach having been made to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hearts chairman George Foulkes was non-commital in assessing the vacancy caused by Levein’s move to Leicester City, but there is little doubt that the former striker is the preferred candidate.

The Hearts board will meet before today’s SPL match at home to Dundee, and again on Monday evening, as they seek a rapid solution to Levein’s untimely departure. Foulkes stressed that getting the right man in time was preferable to making a hasty appointment - but, with Robertson regarded as the right man and some important games looming, there is no time like the present.

"A lot of people have mentioned John Robertson, and I am a great fan of his," Foulkes said yesterday. "I remember the John Colquhoun and Robertson partnership in attack, and those were great times here. Everyone respects him as a player and as a supporter. But it would be wrong, in relation to a person who is employed at another club and to other candidates, to jump to any conclusions."

Foulkes added, however, that the board hoped to be able to make an announcement next week. "As a board we are already actively working towards the appointment of a new head coach. It is absolutely imperative, however, that we secure the right person. There are a number of factors to be worked through and we would ask supporters to remain patient.

"We will do all we can to keep fans fully informed, and hope to be in a position to make a statement on this matter next week. We will be listening to everyone and consulting with everyone, including Vladimir Romanov."

The Lithuanian businessman, who has bought a ten per cent stake in Hearts from Leslie Deans and has conditionally agreed to buy Chris Robinson’s share as well, has been in Scotland this week with Anatoly Byshovets, the former Russia and Ukraine coach whom he plans to install as Hearts’ director of football. Foulkes insisted that neither the arrival of Romanov nor the proposed appointment of Byshovets had been a cause of Levein’s departure.

"It’s not envisaged he would be spending every day out at Riccarton," the chairman said of Byshovets, referring to Hearts’ training facility at Heriot-Watt University. "I would like to underline what Craig Levein said, that his move has absolutely nothing to do with Mr Romanov."

Speaking earlier in the day at Riccarton, Levein revealed that personal ambition was the sole reason for his move south, which will earn Hearts £250,000 as compensation for a contract which still had 18 months to run.

Levein, who became Hearts’ head coach in December 2000 after Jim Jefferies moved to Bradford City, also said that, while the club had not sought his advice, he believed that Robertson was the right man.

"People may have their own ideas as to why I am leaving, but there is only the one reason and it has nothing to do whatsoever with Vladimir Romanov coming into the club," he said. "I could have used my meeting with him to try to get more money out the club, but money is not the issue here. It’s the opportunity.

"I want to see if I can manage in the Premiership, and to get there from Hearts is very difficult. I decided probably about a year ago if I wanted to better myself I’d need to try something down in England. I’ve had opportunities for other jobs, but I’ve been waiting for something that feels right. I just look at the whole thing [at Leicester] and it feels right. All the boxes are ticked.

"I’ve been here four years as a coach, 14 as a player and any time in between as a supporter. This is my club and it will be very difficult for me to leave.

"The saddest thing of the lot is leaving some great players behind. We’ve been through a lot together. Without them I’m nothing.

"I met Mr Romanov and Mr Byshovets this morning and I got on really well with them. I think this club is going to be a great success if they get in, and I wish them every success. I would say to Hearts supporters, from what I’ve heard this morning, not to be too worried."

The multi-million-pound investment promised by Romanov would be a stark contrast to the annual wage-bill cuts which Levein had to enact - a point he brought up when first alluding to Robertson.

"For four years now it’s been cutback after cutback and I hope Robbo spends the money wisely. The off-field stuff has been quite stressful at times.

"Robbo would certainly unite everybody. I don’t want to tell anybody who they should select, but John Robertson would be my choice."

Robertson himself responded diplomatically to his former team-mate’s suggestion. "That is a tremendous compliment coming from Craig Levein, as he is one of Scotland’s best young managers. But my job is here at Inverness Caley Thistle until someone comes and tells me different."

Someone is sure to tell him soon. Before then, though, Hearts have today’s league match to deal with, for which assistant coach Peter Houston is expected to take charge before moving down to join Levein in the Midlands.

In a statement released late yesterday, Foulkes paid tribute to Levein. "Craig has been utterly honest with us about his ambitions in football, and we thank him for everything he has done for Hearts and naturally wish him well for the future.

"Our immediate focus must be the important game against Dundee at Tynecastle, and nothing should be allowed to detract from our efforts to secure three points."

The Hearts supporters, who have protested against the proposed sale of the ground at most home matches this year, are again expected to make their feelings known this afternoon. Most of them want Robertson to take over, and there is every possibility that they will soon get their wish.

Taken from the Scotsman