HEARTS fans are lukewarm on the prospect of Berti Vogts taking over at Tynecastle.

The former Scotland boss, right, has told Vladimir Romanov he is interested in succeeding Graham Rix at the Jambos.

But supporters are underwhelmed after his poor record in charge of Scotland led to him being axed by the SFA.

Derek Watson, secretary of the Hearts Supporters Trust, reckons Romanov is in no rush to appoint a new boss before the end of the season. He also believes the prospect of Champions League football next season might attract several top-drawer candidates to the job in the next couple of months.

He said: "Berti has thrown his hat into the ring but his record wasn't that good as Scotland boss and I don't believe Mr Romanov will be in a rush to make a decision.

"I defended Berti for a long time when he was Scotland manager. He had a limited squad with which to work and also introduced a lot of Hearts players to the team. But in the end I was glad he left when he did.

"If we make the Champions League it will raise still further the calibre of applicant. A European place, even in the UEFA Cup, is all but guaranteed next season so we should be an interesting club to good quality coaches.

"They will know Mr Romanov is looking to challenge and will provide a budget to do so. I believe we will attract good quality applicants, despite all the talk we might struggle because of the rate Mr Romanov goes through coaches."

Watson acknowledged the new boss will have to prepare for fresh challenges from within the SPL, as well as Europe.

He added: "It's important Mr Romanov brings some stability to the club and that means a coach who lasts more than six months in the job.

"Rangers will improve next season and if we want to be up there fighting in the SPL we need a good coach and a stable set-up at the club.

"It's important the new coach comes with European experience and is used to dealing with quality players."