Decision Tyne for Sir Bobby

HEARTS have targeted Sir Bobby Robson to spearhead Vladimir Romanov's Tynecastle revolution - and hope to find out today if he wants the job.

The former England and Barcelona boss has been out of the game since being sacked by Newcastle United last August but we understand that the 72-year-old is seriously considering a shock return to football with the Gorgie club.

Jambos chief executive Phil Anderton is believed to have had informal talks with a number of individuals including Robson, with the veteran coach promising to deliver his decision to the club by today.

Having sacked John Robertson last month, Romanov is determined to appoint a high-profile figurehead to lead the club forward as he attempts to live up to his pledge to challenge the Old Firm's dominance.

While the Hearts board has maintained a strict silence on their precise moves to unearth a suitable successor to Robertson, club sources insist that Robson is just one of a host of candidates being considered for the post. There is no doubt, though, the legendary figure fits the bill of director of football perfectly.

Fans have been growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of information coming out of Tynecastle as they wait to hear who will fill the vacant hot seat following the exit of fans' favourite Robbo. Should Robson give the club the response they are looking for, however, his arrival in the Capital would surely capture the supporters' imagination.

Anderton recently told the Evening News that it may not be necessary to appoint both a director of football and head coach depending on the calibre and experience of the successful candidate. However, at Robson's age it seems unlikely he would want to assume responsibility for the dual role, leaving the club with another major appointment to make with the start of pre-season training just three weeks away.

That could pave the way for Robson to link up again with George Burley, who resigned from Derby County today less than a month after guiding the Rams to within touching distance of the Premiership.

The 49-year-old Scot was an integral part of the Ipswich Town side which Robson guided to FA Cup and UEFA Cup glory in the late 1970s and would seem the ideal choice if the Englishman was to accept his position.

There has been no end to the list of big names linked to the Gorgie hot seat.

Former Parma coach Nevio Scala threw his name into the hat over the weekend, while the likes of Motherwell's Terry Butcher, Dick Advocaat, Craig Brown and Yeovil's ex-Latvia boss Gary Johnson have all been mentioned in connection with the job.

Robson has enjoyed a glittering managerial career at club level with Ipswich Town, PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon in addition to his spell at the Nou Camp. He was replaced at St James' Park by former Rangers boss Graeme Souness last year and earlier this year agreed a £2 million pay-off package. He has made no secret of his desire to return to football and has already rejected a number of management offers.

Taken from the Scotsman