Hearts training starts without new boss

HEARTS could begin pre-season training without a manager after George Burley revealed he would go on holiday before making a decision on his football future.

The former Ipswich and Derby County boss is believed to be on a shortlist of two to fill the Tynecastle hot-seat along with ex-Parma and Borussia Dortmund chief Nevio Scala.

Both have held positive discussions with Jambos chief executive Phil Anderton over the past ten days and Burley's decision to turn down an approach from Millwall has fuelled speculation that he could be bound for Edinburgh.

The 11-times capped former Scotland internationalist stepped down as Derby boss last week claiming his position had become "untenable". His insistence on going on a family break before deciding whether he wants to jump straight back into management would, however, seem to strengthen Scala's position.

But, if the Italian was to decide he didn't want to move to the club or Hearts ended their interest in the 57-year-old, the Jambos would be forced to wait for Burley.

And, with pre-season training underway in a couple of weeks time, that would mean interim manager John McGlynn continuing to take charge of the first team.

The Capital club had been keen to have John Robertson's successor in place by the time season-ticket information is released and while that remains the case Anderton admitted they would go beyond that time if need be.

"We are not going to rush it," said the former SRU man.

"Just because we have a deadline of June 27 for season tickets doesn't mean we have to get a manager in place by that date. It would be ideal but we are not going to be driven by that."

Preston manager Billy Davies, who was understood to be in the frame for the Hearts job at one stage, has signed a new deal to remain at Deepdale.

The 41-year-old Davies said: "Many factors had to be considered, not only financial.

"The board, the players, the fans and everyone else connected with the club played a major part in our decision to remain at Deepdale."

Meanwhile, Hearts have signed 16-year-old Icelandic midfielder Eggert Gunnthor Jonsson.

The youngster has been recruited from Icelandic Division Two club Fkjardabyggd and joins his compatriot Hjalmar Thorarinsson. A third Icelander, the Valdur goalkeeper Haraldur Bjornsson, is also being monitored by Hearts.

Taken from the Scotsman