Rix says scrutiny is worse than in English Premiership

BOSS Graham Rix today claimed that Hearts command greater scrutiny from the media than many clubs in the English Premiership.

The head coach took up his new post a month ago and he has been taken aback by the constant attention paid to the Jambos as they embark on an new era under Lithuanian millionaire Vladimir Romanov.

Prior to his arrival in the Tynecastle hot seat, the former Arsenal and England midfielder was well aware that Hearts were a significant force in Scottish football.

However, he freely admits that the media interest generated by the club has taken some time to get used to.

"Hearts are a bigger club than I had realised before I came here," he said.

"With respect, they are a major club here in Scotland but the media attention we get is unbelievable, probably more so than possibly some big clubs in England.

"With all due respect there are a lot of big clubs down there so the media focus is more spread out. Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and ourselves are under the spotlight day in, day out."

While Rix would no doubt prefer not to field daily calls from journalists keen to learn the latest goings-on in Gorgie, the 48-year-old says he remains unfazed by the media scrum accompanying Hearts this season as they bid to end the Old Firm's duopoly and secure a coveted place in the Champions League.

"The fact the club is bigger than I thought has given me a boost," he said.

"It hasn't really changed my attitude towards the way I work with the lads or how I am with them as they are the most important thing to me here and have been great since I arrived.

"But the level of responsibility is greater than I thought it would be. There are millions of Hearts fans all over the world and the bottom line is that the buck stops with me.

"I accept that. I was excited when I got the job and I'm still excited after three games in charge."

Unbeaten after three games at the helm, Rix saw a marked improvement in performance in Saturday's 2-1 win over Livingston at Tynecastle, his first victory as boss.

Hearts had to battle hard for their draws at Aberdeen and Motherwell but should have been out of sight by the time Allan Walker handed the Lions a lifeline at the weekend.

Although the hosts scorned numerous chances, Rix was delighted with the three points but conceded work remains to be done.

"There have been positives and negatives from these three matches," he said.

"But as I have said I am excited and that's because I know we can get better."

Meanwhile, Hearts could lose Czech ace Rudi Skacel at the end of the season if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The midfielder, on loan with the Jambos from Marseille, has been a revelation since being brought to the club by former boss George Burley earlier this season.

The left-sided player has banged in 13 goals so far this term to take him to the top of the SPL scoring charts.

However, his agent Viktor Kolar revealed the player is desperate to play in Europe's premier competition next term.

"When he [Skacel] came to the club there was an agreement that he would sign a deal if Hearts finish in the top two places in the league and qualify for the Champions League.

"That still stands but he may have to consider his options if that doesn't happen."

Taken from the Scotsman