Scala move is on hold

NEVIO SCALA today admitted for the first time that his move to Tynecastle is hanging in the balance as he struggles to reach agreement with Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton.

The Italian, who has already spoken with major shareholder Vladimir Romanov, met Anderton in London on Tuesday for further top-level negotiations as Hearts seek a new head coach in time for the start of pre-season training.

However, the meeting ended with both parties failing to find common ground despite an offer having been put to the Italian, and a frustrated Scala concedes he now has no idea what the next step will be.

"When I spoke with Phil Anderton we could not agree," he said. "There is something different between the two minds and we haven't managed to sort it out yet. Mr Anderton said we will meet again but I don't know what is happening.

"I cannot say [what the problem is], but it is not money. Absolutely. That is the last question I will ask. I did not discuss money with Mr Anderton, we spoke about all other things."

With an apparent stand-offhaving developed there are no discussions planned between Scala and Hearts officials over the weekend, contrary to reports that the amiable coach is due in Edinburgh within the next couple of days for a tour of the Tynecastle club's facilities.

"I am waiting to hear again from Hearts," continued the 57-year-old from his home in Padova. "I did not meet with anyone from the club yesterday and there are no further meetings planned over the next few days.

"The last time we spoke was Tuesday. When they call me I would need at least a day to arrange a flight to Edinburgh or London, or for them to come to Italy.

"Until I hear from them again it is difficult to say when I will see Mr Anderton or Mr Romanov again."

Anderton has two unnamed European coaches on his shortlist alongside Burley and Scala, although Romanov is understood to be in favour of the legendary former Parma coach.

Anderton commented: "Discussions are ongoing with Scala and other people. We are still talking with him but we haven't signed Scala and Scala hasn't signed for us.

"Our offer to him is certainly not off the table."

Scala also refused to rule out the possibility of him and Burley working together in Gorgie with the Italian taking up the director of football position, admitting it had been mentioned in his talks with Anderton.

"We discussed many possibilities like that but for now there is no agreement on any of them. Hearts are free to do anything they want, and I am also free to do what is best for me.

"I would still like to work for Hearts. It would make me very happy, but for me to be happy we need to agree."

Taken from the Scotsman