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Valdas Ivanauskas <-auth Martin Stirling auth-> Stuart Dougal
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7 of 099 Paul Hartley pen 53 L SPL H

Coach applauds sacked duo


From Martin Stirling in Glasgow
04may06

HEARTS caretaker coach Valdas Ivanauskas paid tribute to his predecessors after the Edinburgh club clinched second place in the Scottish Premier League and its Champions League debut next season today (AEST).

A 1-0 home win over Aberdeen today (AEST), courtesy of a second-half Paul Hartley penalty, means the Jambos cannot be caught by Rangers, despite the two sides meeting in the final game of the season at Ibrox on Sunday.

And crucially this ensures it will be Hearts who will take their place in the Champions League qualifiers next season instead of the Ibrox club, which will now have to contend with playing in the UEFA Cup.

This success comes at the end of a topsy-turvy season for the Tynecastle club under the ownership of owner Vladimir Romanov.

The Lithuanian sacked George Burley, despite the fact he led Hearts to the top of the league by going 10 games unbeaten, and then also axed his successor Graeme Rix who made way for Ivanauskas.

But the current head coach took time out to praise the contributions made by the two men and everyone who works behind the scenes at the club.

"It is a big relief to have finished second as it has been a very difficult season and an interesting nine months," said Ivanauskas.

"We must remember the contribution of George Burley and Graham Rix and it is a victory for everybody.

"Starting with George's team right through to our kitman and medical staff."

Hearts's Champions League qualification means for the first time a Scottish team from outside Glasgow will compete in Europe's premier club competition.

And Ivanauskas realises the size of the achievement his players have won.

"It is a big, big day for me and also the players and the supporters. It's unbelievable," he said.

"The city of Edinburgh wants the Champions League and the supporters want it but it has been difficult.

"I'm very happy with Champions League qualification and it is a big day for the club."

Hearts's success also sparked celebrations in the tiny Scottish borders town of Gretna as it means the Second Division champions qualifies for the UEFA Cup as a finalist in the Scottish Cup, where it will play the Tynecastle club on May 13 at Hampden.

Gretna's owner, Brooks Mileson, thanked Hearts and Romanov for making his dream come true.

"It's fantastic. I would like to thank Hearts and Vladimir, not just for doing Gretna a great favour, but also for being brilliant for Scottish football on a whole this season," he said.

Hearts has certainly been a breath of fresh air to the Scottish game. Its second-place finish was the first time in 11 years that both Celtic and Rangers have not occupied the top two spots in the SPL.

the Adevertiser Australia
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