McGlynn and Pressley in clear over Weir slip-up

PHIL ANDERTON today exonerated Hearts’ caretaker managers John McGlynn and Steven Pressley over the Graham Weir affair.

The 20-year-old striker appeared for the club against Celtic last month whilst out of contract, an oversight which could cost the Tynecastle board a hefty fine.

However, Anderton refuses to accept that the error was a consequence of having an inexperienced managerial team in place at the time after the departure of John Robertson.

The chief executive said: "It’s not the management team. It’s an administration around contracts and there is not much we can do about it now. I know the facts of the position so we will just have to wait and see what happens. I’m aware of the reality of how these things work. There

will be a process to go through now and we will just have to deal with it."

The possibility of a fine from the SPL, which has had its summer consumed with another contractual wrangle involving Livingston and Hassan Kachloul, is a prospect that would concern Anderton. He is aware of the potential for a fine and reprimand for Hearts, however he added: "I don’t want to get drawn into what may or may not happen as a result of an administrative error."

Anderton admitted that hearing Hearts linked with a move for former Rangers midfielder Jorg Albertz and supposed discussions with Celtic over the transfer of Andy Webster was "all news" to him. Meanwhile, on the subject of the ongoing search for a new head coach, further talks are expected this week between Anderton and the former Derby manager George Burley. The Scot spent last week in Portugal, preventing any movement on his possible involvement with Hearts. He said: "I’m finishing a coaching course at Warrington University just now. I’m just back from holiday so we will see what this week brings."

Anderton added: "Hopefully this week we will have an announcement."

Taken from the Scotsman