BUTCHER BACKS RIX

By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

Motherwell manager Terry Butcher has backed Hearts head coach Graham Rix to succeed at Tynecastle.

The Jambos' boss is still waiting for the Scottish Football Association to ratify his appointment at the Edinburgh club.

The SFA general purposes committee were due to make a decision on the official confirmation of Rix's appointment this week after questions were raised following his 1999 conviction for unlawful sex.

The governing body have asked for more information from the club before they confirm the appointment of Rix.

But the Well boss is adamant the Tynecastle boss has nothing to worry about after receiving the support of his players and Hearts fans.

Butcher said: "I don't see it as being anything to get worked up about.

"Graham Rix is more than fit to run the football club, he is an excellent coach and a good man.

"He is a former colleague of mine in the England squad and is a winner, which has rubbed off on everyone there.

"Graham has undoubtedly got the respect and support of the players and the fans at Hearts now.

"The players have backed him and said they wouldn't like to see him go and that's the same with the crowd.

"He is doing a great job at Hearts and that will continue."

Second-placed Hearts are currently 13 points behind Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders Celtic after the home defeat by Aberdeen last weekend.

Butcher, whose side travel to Tynecastle on Saturday, rejects claims the Edinburgh side are on the slide by declaring them to be on the verge of "something special".

He said: "They still have a lot to play for, despite recent events.

"They are battling away for second place although they are still going for the championship in their eyes.

"But second place gets you entry into the Champions League and they are also in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup with a home tie against Partick Thistle next week.

"So they have a lot to play for and will be looking to finish as high up the league as possible.

"They have had a great season so far and are nowhere near a decline - I would say they are on the verge of something very special indeed.

"I have every confidence Graham can continue to take Hearts forward in the future."

Butcher will be without recent signing Abel Thermeus for the journey along the M8.

The striker is suspended for the game after the SFA rejected his appeal against his dismissal at Kilmarnock earlier this month.

Butcher added: "I am bitterly disappointed because we felt that we had a very strong case.

"Abel is very disappointed because he is new to the country and is trying to impress.

"We thought it would be upheld but we just have to get on with it."

Taken from sportinglife.com