Burley: No talks with Hearts ... yet

GEORGE BURLEY today admitted he has no plans to speak to Hearts about the vacant head coach's role until after the weekend.

Speculation claiming Burley was due to be interviewed by Tynecastle chief executive Phil Anderton today has proved wide of the mark.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Burnley boss Steve Cotterill is an outside bet for the job.

It was claimed that while Hearts haven't made official contact with the Lancashire club, Cotterill has been considered for the post.

Burley, though, remains a favourite behind Italian Nevio Scala but there has been no date set for an interview with Hearts. The former Derby manager is on holiday in Portugal and has removed all thoughts of football from his mind until he returns to Britain.

Burley said: "I don't travel back until Saturday.

I'm with the family here so after we get back at the weekend we'll see what happens. I certainly won't be taking part in any interviews. There is nothing planned as yet regarding any meetings."

Directors in Gorgie are thought to be slightly miffed at Burley's insistence upon jetting off abroad before speaking to them about the head coach's role and it remains to be seen whether Hearts make contact with the Scot upon his return. Burley's London-based agent said: "Regardless of what has been written in the newspapers in Scotland, George is away at the moment taking some time out.

"He has to think about what type of job he is going to take next. I know he keeps getting linked to Hearts at the moment but there is nothing to say on that issue just now. He is being linked with one or two things at the moment because obviously he is a talented manager and he is out of work."

Burley has already refused the chance to become the manager of Millwall earlier this month.

Scala remains the first choice, due to his impressive pedigree across Europe. The pair met in Croatia last week and intend to hold further talks inside the next seven days. And two unnamed European coaches are still in the frame, one of whom is thought to be former FBK Kaunas head coach Valdas Ivanauskas.

Taken from the Scotsman