Anderton pleads for patience from Hearts fans

ANGUS WRIGHT

HEARTS chief executive Phil Anderton broke his silence last night to call for supporters to respect the "confidentiality" surrounding the departure of manager George Burley.

Anderton, who remained in the background as chairman George Foulkes delivered news of Burley's removal on Saturday night, insists the club will not break the confidentiality clause which prevents them explaining why the manager was dismissed with Hearts sitting top of the Bank of Scotland Premierleague and unbeaten 11 games into the season.

Anderton told Hearts' official website: "I am acutely aware of the sense of shock that emanated around Tynecastle at the announcement made regarding the club parting company with George Burley. I also appreciate the desire of some fans to know exact details of why George left the club.

"However, I would ask the fans to respect that George Burley has a right to confidentiality in this matter and we fully intend to honour that agreement.

"The mutual agreement between George and the club allows both parties to move on and that is now the most important thing for Hearts."

But the former Scottish Rugby Union chief executive insists moves to find a new manager began after the news of Burley's exit broke on Saturday.

Anderton added: "I can confirm that, since Saturday afternoon, I have concentrated my efforts on targeting a top-class manager for the club. I have already received a number of enquiries from interested parties but we will not rush into a quick appointment."

He added: "I fully intend to use all the resources at my disposal to ensure that we assess every potential candidate in order to appoint the right person for the job. There is no doubt that the new manager will be joining a club that is in much better condition on and off the field than it was a few months ago.

"We are sitting top of the SPL with a team of excellent players and off the field we have a well-structured club which is being backed by, I believe, the best fans in the country.

"I can assure fans that our vision remains the same - the SPL title and European success.

"It is this goal that drives everyone at the club and our new manager will be the catalyst to take us to that."

Taken from the Scotsman