JAMBOS ON FIRE FOR WANTED BOSS

Levein quit the Edinburgh club on Friday to take over at Leicester and Jambos legend Robertson is the overwhelming favourite among Tynecastle fans to succeed him.

However, after Saturday's 3-0 win over Dundee, chairman George Faulkes stated any approach would go through the proper channels.

He said: "If we are going to approach someone who is currently in employment with a football club then we will do so in the proper manner. We would not want any club to hear it or read it in the media before we approach them.

Faulkes admitted prospective new owner Vladimir Romanov had been consulted about a possible new manager but denied the Lithuanian businessman has had the final say.

He said: "Clearly Vladimir Romanov owns 10% of the club and we expect him to own 30% so it would be daft not to consider any comments he has to make about the appointment.

"But the ultimate decision will be taken by the current board of directors."

Faulkes watched Hearts notch up a comfortable victory over 10-man Dundee at Tynecastle with goals from Kevin McKenna, Paul Hartley and substitute Dennis Wyness.

Jambos assistant coach Peter Houston, who will join Levein down at Leicester, admits it was an emotional ending to his long association with the Tynecastle club.

However, Houston insists he will take charge of the team for the UEFA Cup tie against Schalke at Murrayfield on Thursday if required.

He said: "It was an emotional day for me and a good way to finish.

"I've been at Hearts for eight-and-a-half years and have a lot of good memories.

"I am hoping someone else will be in place Monday or Tuesday but I don't think Craig would leave the club in the lurch if there wasn't.

"Craig will probably tell me to hang fire until Hearts have got it all sorted out and I'll be more than happy to stay on for the Schalke game if Craig allows me.

"But as far as the Dundee game is concerned we started a bit flat which I think was because of the disappointment surrounding Craig's departure.

"We got a wee break because I am not sure if we deserved a penalty kick but sometimes you get those breaks."

Dundee manager Jim Duffy claimed the dismissal of defender Jonay Hernandez was a turning point in the game.

The Venezuelan international brought down McKenna and was instantly red-carded by referee Craig Thomson.

Jambos skipper Steven Pressley missed the resulting penalty but the visitors could not hold on much longer than the 33rd minute when McKenna opened the scoring.

Afterwards a disappointed Duffy said: "The sending off had a huge bearing on the game. We started well and had two good chances and should have gone into the lead.

"If the referee gives the penalty then it is definitely a red card but it left us with a long time to defend with 10 men.

"It is a harsh rule and Jonay has got it but is has been a harsh rule for many players."

Taken from the Sunday Mail