Leave for good

Supporters are growing increasingly frustrated that Robinson is still on the club's board despite the suggestion from chief executive Phil Anderton that his predecessor would be gone by the summer.

Mackay wants all of Robinson's ties with Hearts severed as soon as possible, a move he believes is necessary to properly complete the revolution in Gorgie under Vladimir Romanov.

Mackay said: "Every change that has been made at Hearts over the last year has been positive. I have absolutely no problem with anything they have done. The only one negative I have is that there is a Mr Robinson still hanging about. Everything else is done and achieved. We are staying at Tynecastle and we are all looking forward positively. But I personally still want the removal of Mr Robinson from within the four walls of Tynecastle."

Robinson is still listed as a non-executive director of Hearts after resigning as chief executive as he sold his majority shareholding to Romanov. The man Hearts fans love to hate is acutely aware of his need to maintain directorial status at Tynecastle in order to retain his place on SPL and SFA boards, however none of that washes with Mackay. He continued: "There has been change in the boardroom, there has been change as far as the club remaining at its spiritual home and there was always going to be change on the football side. But one more thing has to be done for me."

Mackay is extremely impressed, however, with Robinson's replacement in the chief executive's office. In particular, he has moved to compliment Anderton on his handling of the delicate issue surrounding Hearts' new head coach.

"The great thing is that we are getting a bit of transparency from Phil Anderton and as supporters that is what you are looking for," said the former midfielder.

"He is not going to be rushed into a decision and quite right because a wrong decision will have serious implications for Hearts.

"I think when you look at the last couple of years it is important as supporters that we show a degree of patience and understanding that the people now in charge of the club want to take their time and make sure they get the right man to bring stability to the football side.

"I can understand people's worries but it's not yet the end of June. It is a similar situation to clubs signing players in that everything isn't done inside a 24-hour period. It can be quite protracted and that is what seems to be happening, but I think that means things are being done in a thorough manner. Phil Anderton is to be applauded for that."

With Italian Nevio Scala and former Derby and Ipswich manager George Burley the leading candidates for the post, Mackay is pleased to see his former club aiming high.

As a precaution he has prepared himself for someone of slightly lesser repute actually being appointed, but insists it matters not who gets the job but how they approach the task in hand.

"I don't have a worry whether it is Scala, Burley or someone else. It is about getting the right name," said Mackay. "It might not be a household name, but if it is the right person to take the playing side forward and he has the pedigree then that is all that matters.

"Hibs made a similar change last year and pulled Tony Mowbray out the bag, then went on to have a wonderful season. I just want the person to be aware of the history and tradition of the club and how big a job it is. They should also be conscious of the honour and prestige of the position."

Taken from the Scotsman