Ex-Ranger Alexei linked to Hearts' director of football role

VLADIMIR ROMANOV is believed to be considering a move to make former Rangers midfielder Alexei Mikhailichenko the new director of football at Hearts.

The Hearts owner is reported to be tracking the 43-year-old's progress and is keen to install him in the role.

Mikhailichenko's reputation is rapidly rising in Europe after leading Ukraine into the final of the Under-21 European championships in Portugal at the weekend.

His two-year contract as the head of Ukraine Football Federation's youth set-up will expire in September and, after spending two years in Scotland with Rangers in the early 90s, Mikhailichenko is seen as an ideal candidate for the Tynecastle hotseat.

Representatives of Romanov and Mikhailichenko are believed to have had initial discussions about the move in Russia. Meanwhile, Romanov moved last night to secure 19-year-old defender David Armstrong's long-term future at the club. The Northern Irish defender put pen to paper on a bumper new five-year deal.

Hearts have announced a deal with TMG (Travel Management Group plc) to provide European travel arrangements for the club's players, management team and supporters.

The draw for the second qualifying round of the Champions League takes place on June 23. Alasdair Russell, Commercial Director at Hearts, said: "We are delighted that we are now able to offer our players and supporters the opportunity of travelling to and from the European games in comfort. Supporters will be secure in the knowledge that they are booking an official travel package and that all profits are being reinvested in the club."

Taken from the Scotsman