Hearts to maintain Burley silence

The SPL leaders cited "irreconcilable differences" between Burley and the board on Saturday but went no further.

Chief executive Phil Anderton said: "I would ask the fans to respect that George Burley has a right to confidentiality in this matter.

"The agreement between George and the club allows both parties to move on."

Burley left after a 10-game unbeaten run had taken the Edinburgh club to the top of the SPL.

And that sequence was stretched to 11 after Saturday's 2-0 win over Dunfermline.

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."

I can assure fans that our vision remains the same - the SPL title and European success
Phil Anderton
Hearts chief executive

"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.

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

Earlier, the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs called for the Tynecastle board to clarify the situation.

Federation secretary John Borthwick said: "My own view is shock and disappointment. George Burley was well respected by the players and fans.

"It's not down to results. Supporters deserve to know what the reason is.

"We can only speculate there was a major rift in his (Burley's) relationship with (major shareholder) Vladimir Romanov.

The Lithuanian businessman had used his influence to bring players to Tynecastle without consulting Burley and that was said to have exasperated the former manager.

And Borthwick is asking Romanov to allow Burley's replacement free reign when it comes to team matters.

He said: "It was very interesting that part of (chairman) George Foulkes' statement claimed the circumstances under which the new manager is appointed would be made absolutely clear.

"To me, that suggests Vladimir Romanov wants to identify players and bring them to the club. And then he wants the manager to coach them.

"But it is important that team selection is down to the new manager, whoever it may be.

"We are grateful to Vladimir Romanov for what he has done for the club.

"But I cannot emphasise enough that team selection should be down to the manager."

Taken from the BBC