GEORGE Burley signed a two-year contract as the new manager of Hearts last night and committed himself to chasing what he freely admits is viewed by the majority of observers as Vladimir Romanov's impossible dream of challenging the Old Firm.

The 49-year-old former Scotland defender conceded that it took him some time to be convinced of the merits of returning to his homeland after a 12-year absence to take on a role he believes will be as difficult as any he has previously held.

Burley, both measured and impressive as he addressed the media for the first time at around 6pm at Tynecastle last night, will begin work at Hearts' training ground at Riccarton today and has already identified several signing targets as he urgently seeks to strengthen the severely depleted first-team squad he has inherited.

The former Ayr United, Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Derby County manager has set reclaiming third place in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague from his former Portman Road assistant Tony Mowbray's Hibs side as his initial target for the new season, but ultimately hopes to fulfil majority shareholder Romanov's grand ambitions for Hearts.

"Hearts are miles behind Rangers and Celtic at the moment," said Burley, "and I know people are very sceptical when Mr Romanov talks about challenging them. It is dreamland, I accept that, but then no-one believed Ipswich would finish fifth in the English Premiership and get back into Europe when I was there. I like to dream and I like the level of ambition there is among the people in charge of Hearts.

"I want to take this club back to the heights. They were 11 points away from fourth place last season and there was a massive gap to the Old Firm, so it's not going to happen overnight. The primary challenge is to get back into Europe, that's what I'm looking for next season. I've signed on for two years but I hope I am here longer than that. If I am, then maybe all the hype over what Mr Romanov wants won't be a million miles away from reality.

"I had to be persuaded myself about the job and whether it was right to come back to Scotland now. At first, I wasn't sure but when I saw where Mr Romanov and the club wanted to be, then I was able to make my decision. I was impressed with everyone I spoke to at Hearts.

"In the short term, it's very important that I bring in a number of players quickly. There are only 14 first-team players here at the moment, so that's my immediate objective. I have a number of guys already in mind and hopefully the fans will be excited by them if the deals come off. I've built up a good network of contacts at home and abroad over the past few years which helped me to successfully build teams at both Ipswich and Derby.

"I want to do the same thing at Hearts. Once I get the players in, then it will be a case of putting my stamp on the style of play. With the board's help, then I'm sure we can get back into Europe and then challenge at the top of the table."

Burley's appointment ended an eight-week long search for a successor to John Robertson, dismissed at the beginning of May after just seven months. Among the other candidates were Sir Bobby Robson, Nevio Scala and Billy Davies.

"It has been a long time," said Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton. "We set out our stall to bring in an experienced manager. This is a big club, we are ambitious and we wanted someone who had been there and done it. George matches our expectations. The rebuilding of the squad is the next phase and everyone is looking forward to working with George."

With the beginning of the new SPL season just four weeks away, Burley must act fast to bring in players. He also has to finalise details of his backroom staff as he looks to bring his long-standing chief scout Simon Hunt and goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster with him to Hearts. Burley held discussions yesterday with coach John McGlynn, who was in caretaker charge, and he appears certain to stay at the club.

Taken from the Scotsman