McGLYNN PRAISES INTERIM CHARGES

Hearts caretaker manager John McGlynn paid tribute to the team for putting the sudden departure of manager George Burley to one side to claim the 2-0 win over Dunfermline at Tynecastle.

First-half goals from Rudi Skacel and Michal Pospisil extended the Jambos' lead at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table to six points.

But the interim boss insists the departed Burley's influence was still prevalent against the Pars.

McGlynn said: "It was plain for everyone to see we showed the desire to keep the unbeaten running which is what the manager went over on Friday. They were very focused on doing that."

McGlynn only discovered his new role this morning in a meeting with Hearts major shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

Hearts chairman George Foulkes cited "irreconcilable differences" for Burley's exit, although he stressed the decision was "mutual".

But it was Romanov himself, who informed the players of the departure of the former Derby and Ipswich boss.

McGlynn added: "I had a meeting with Mr Romanov at the back of 11 this morning and he addressed the players at 11.45. He asked me to take the team.

"I didn't have the chance to speak to George. I didn't get an explanation, I was told it was a mutual agreement that there was a parting of ways."

But McGlynn, who has twice acted as manager in the wake of the departures of Craig Levein and John Robertson over the last 12 months, admits today's news was a shock.

He added: "It came out of the blue more this time than other times.

"There was speculation with Craig Levein going to Leicester and we all knew something was happening and there was speculation about John Robertson leaving.

"It's not the best timing on the day of the match.

"You can't always have the best timing as a coach but it could have been better.

"The players were stunned when the news was broken to them - they were taken aback.

"The players left training on Friday then turn up for the pre-match meal and find out they don't have a manager.

"I don't think anything will happen before Wednesday with regards a new manager but who knows."

Dunfermline boss Jim Leishman has called for a major improvement from his team for the rest of the SPL season.

The Pars are still just two points ahead of winless Livingston in the SPL table.

But the East End Park manager believes he can see his side are getting better.

Leishman said: "Facts are facts and it was another defeat for us.

"In the first quarter of the season, we have gathered five points and that is not acceptable.

"We think we are a better team than that, but the fact is we are second bottom of the league.

"If there was a lack of spirit and an unwillingness to contribute, it could been anything up to 5-0 today.

"But, in the second half, we kept going and could maybe have sneaked back into the game. Unfortunately, we didn't."

Taken from sportinglife.com