Valdas handed reins but Vlad still to decide on coach

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS is certain to be in charge of Hearts for the resumption of pre-season training next week - but he may have to make way for a new head coach before the season begins.

The Evening News understands that Vladimir Romanov, the club's majority shareholder, is content for Ivanauskas to prepare the squad for their Champions League initiation at the end of July whilst he deliberates over who will lead the side on a permanent basis.

Romanov has hitherto delayed a decision on who will be head coach at Tynecastle for the season ahead despite publicly backing Ivanauskas just last month after he guided the club to Scottish Cup success and into the Champions League qualifiers. Meanwhile, a string of high-profile candidates, including Lothar Matthaus, Nevio Scala and Billy Davies, have previously flaunted their availability.

But as Hearts attempt to finalise plans for a pre-season tour of Austria in early July on the recommendation of Ivanauskas, they do so in the knowledge that the interim head coach could be asked to step aside at any moment should Romanov opt to appoint an alternative.

There is even the possibility of any new coach joining up with the squad midway through their time in Austria.

The players will return to Riccarton to begin their gentle build-up to the new campaign at the end of next week, allowing for over four full weeks of preparation before the club enters the Champions League's second qualifying round on July 25/26.

"We are currently finalising our plans for the pre-season tour and as far as we are concerned it is business as usual on all fronts," said a club spokesperson.

"The players will return next week and will then begin focusing on the task ahead for the new season. This season will start earlier than last season in terms of competitive matches and everyone is aware that we need to be up to speed in order to compete effectively in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

"There will be plans in place to ensure everyone is ready."

Hearts are still awaiting an answer from UEFA to their request to play the Champions League qualifiers at Tynecastle. The club have applied for special dispensation to play their initial matches in the competition in Gorgie despite Tynecastle not meeting UEFA's international standards.

Hearts' general secretary and operations director Campbell Ogilvie is hoping to receive a decision from the governing body on Tynecastle's suitability as soon as possible. It is thought that any possible progress to the group phase would see them switch fixtures to Murrayfield.

Taken from the Scotsman