Let's go to work

HEARTS boss George Burley today conceded he is facing a "massive rebuilding job" at Tynecastle.

The new Jambos manager was speaking after watching his side demolish Bray Wanderers 5-1 in the final game of the club's pre-season tour to Ireland.

Goals from David Cesnauskis, Stephen Simmons, Calum Elliott, Paul Hartley and Marius Kizys had the visitors on easy street at the Carlisle Grounds last night.

The performance pleased Burley, who nevertheless is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing him as John Robertson's successor with the start of the SPL campaign just over a fortnight away.

"I like to be out on the training field to work with players but there is no doubt we need the tools as well," he said.

"There are some excellent young players at the club and some good professionals but the team does need strengthened. There is a massive rebuilding job to be done, there is no doubt about that.

"My thought when I came here was that we needed six players and I haven't changed that view.

"We need to strengthen. We have a small squad with some good players but overall it has to be improved if we are to have a good season.

"If I can bring in six good players I think we can have a good season and that's what I am aiming for. The club has a list of targets and hopefully we can bring a number in.

"Last season was disappointing for the supporters and that is something we hope to rectify."

With Burley due back behind his desk tomorrow as the first team returns to training at the Riccarton academy, the Gorgie chief will step up his bid to bring in new faces.

He has already handed chief executive Phil Anderton an extensive list of the players he would like to target and today he said: "The club is aware of who I want and we could maybe bring one or two in on trial.

"It has been a good exercise, I have enjoyed working with the players who have been very professional. Now is the time, though, as the new season gets ever closer, to bring in new players.

"We are working away on things. I have given the club a big list of players I would like to bring in. Now is the time to do that. The club is aware of the players I want to bring in and hopefully we will be get a few new faces here as there is a lot of work to be done."

Graham Weir is to consult a specialist on his return to the Capital with the likelihood that the striker will require surgery after fracturing his shin against St Patrick's Athletic on Sunday.

Stephen Simmons was another casualty last night in Bray, although his early removal from the game was more as a precaution after being troubled by a thigh problem.

Jamie McAllister sat out the tour finale with blisters causing him discomfort.

The Jambos continue their pre-season preparations with a game at East Fife tomorrow evening followed by a trip to Forthbank to face Stirling Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Former chief executive Chris Robinson, meanwhile, is set to finally sever his ties with the club. He has been a non-executive director at Tynecastle since selling his majority shareholding to Lithuanian millionaire Vladimir Romanov earlier this year.

His continued influence has irked supporters who have been clamouring for his removal. A board meeting on Monday, though, should see their wishes finally granted, with his exit expected to be officially ratified.

Lothian and Borders Police have given the go-ahead for the club to allow fans free entry to next week's pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough at Tynecastle.

Following a meeting with the police yesterday, safety issues have been addressed and the club is expecting a big crowd for the visit of the Premiership outfit next Wednesday.

Tickets will be available until 6pm on the day of the match and fans will be limited to four per person and briefs will have to be picked up in person.

Season ticket holders will have tickets posted out to them.

Chief executive Phil Anderton, meanwhile, has insisted fans who have ordered new strips will have the kit before the start of the new season.

There has been a slight delay in the delivery of the new gear by manufacturers hummel but Anderton said today: "There has been a delay in the transporting of the strips from the Far East," he said. "We have advised all those fans who pre-ordered the new kit that it will not be available by the date originally stated but it's nothing serious and the delay should be just a few days."

Taken from the Scotsman