Rix ready for return

The former Arsenal midfielder spent just over four months in charge at Tynecastle last season after replacing George Burley in the autumn.

But, like his predecessor, Rix's tenure was short-lived and he was on his way out of the Edinburgh club by the end of March.

Rix, though, has not been rattled by the experience in the SPL and admits it has rekindled his enthusiasm for the game.

"The one thing Hearts did give me was it gave me a shot in the arm as regards my confidence," Rix told Sky Sports News.

"It's shown I can do it at that highest level and also the enthusiasm, I've got my zest back and I want to get back in.

"I think I've got a lot to offer at whatever level. I'd like to be a manager, but whatever level, whether it is as a reserve team coach or assistant to somebody, I want to get back working."

Following a summer of managerial vacancies in The Football League, Rix accepts he may now have to wait until a couple of months into the new campaign before returning to management.

He added: "A while ago, there were eight or nine opportunities. Not all of them interested me, certain ones did, but it didn't work out for whatever reason.

"Now you are waiting for a couple of months into the football season until people have had a bad run of results.

"That's the stupid game we work in, but you hope someone gets the heave-ho - that's the way it is. I know how difficult it is, but that's the way football is working these days."

Despite his troubled stint with Hearts, Rix holds no regrets about his time north of the border and feels he played his part in helping the club to win the Scottish Cup and finish second in the table.

Rix continued: "It was a high pressure job and a bit of a test for me. George Burley had done great, but left for whatever reason and I went in to what was a tricky period.

"I think the boys responded to what I said. We played some good stuff, scored loads of goals and I think we lost four in 19.

"We were on the right track and not to be able to see it through was disappointing.

"I've nothing against the club, it's a fantastic setup. I've no regrets about going there.

"If I'd had a nightmare, I'd be disappointed professionally within myself. I don't think that was the case.

"I was more disappointed because I think we were always going to win the Scottish Cup and always going to finish second in the league.

"I wanted to be part of that, to be on the bus going round Edinburgh. I can't deny that, it's a great feeling in football."