Hearts begin hunt for manager

Vladimir Romanov has tacitly admitted his predilection for running Hearts by committee has failed as the Tynecastle club begin the search to appoint "an experienced football manager" who will assume total control of all onfield affairs.

The traditional format previously favoured by Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, where decisions affecting the team were taken conjointly by Anatoly Korobochka, sport director, Stephen Frail, assistant head coach, and Angel Chervenkov, assistant coach - with Romanov also offering regular input - is to be ditched following Hearts' recent slump in form.

The Tynecastle side currently lie in 10th place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and have lost their last five matches.

Frail has been appointed caretaker-manager and will assume total responsibility for team selection and coaching for the first time this afternoon when Hearts take on Dundee United at Tannadice.

Frail, who has become the public face of the club during their recent travails, is not expected to be a leading candidate for the manager's position as he has yet to attain a UEFA Pro coaching licence but will continue to work alongside the new appointment, as will Korobochka.

Chervenkov, the Bulgarian who arrived from FBK Kaunas in August, is understood to have now left the club, and given Hearts' preference for a new head coach with "experience of management of British football" it seems unlikely they will turn to Lithuania again to fill the vacancy.

A Hearts spokesperson revealed that the search for a new manager has yet to begin but that the club would not be rushed into making the appointment. He said: "No approaches have been made yet to any candidates and you have to take the time of year into consideration.

"You can't really put a timescale on this but we hope to have someone in place as soon as we can. The club are quite clear on what they are looking for and will make sure we get the correct person for the job.

"Some people will identify themselves for the job, others will be identified by the club.

"Mr Romanov will have a big part to play in this appointment as will people like Campbell Ogilvie Hearts' operations director."

The Herald understands that Jim Jefferies, currently manager at Kilmarnock, has emerged as a front-runner for the vacancy. The Hearts' board of directors are anxious to appoint a name that will appease disgruntled fans and have told sources they have in mind "a manager currently with another Scottish club".

Jefferies, who previously managed Hearts from 1995 to 2000, leading them to Scottish Cup success in 1998, has previously balked at a return to Tynecastle due to Romanov's incessant meddling in team affairs but could be persuaded to change his viewpoint were he to enjoy sole responsibility for on-field matters.

Craig Levein, another former Hearts player and manager, has also been linked with the post but is unlikely to turn his back on Dundee United, while Billy Davies, John Robertson and George Graham remain outside candidates.

Frail, meanwhile, has declared himself "honoured" to be handed the reins, albeit on a temporary basis, after a frustrating period where he was assistant coach in name only and had no real input in the running of the team.

"I'm delighted to be given the opportunity of steady things and, hopefully, when the new man comes in, we'll leave him in a healthy position to take the club forward," he said.

"I will be talking to the players and I will be stressing the importance of what I'm looking for.

"I'm sure that this will not be different to what the new manager wants. My priority is the next couple of games - Dundee United and Kilmarnock - where we need to get something, then after that we can settle down and plan one or two things.

"My thoughts will count now. United are off the back of poor results and we are as well, but it is now my team.

"Personnel will not change much, but I am hoping I will get a reaction from them. There will be one or two changes in terms of the way we will play. It's something that will take time. It's something I'm very excited about."

Frail also revealed that several players, presumably the Lithuanians in the squad, would no longer be guaranteed of places in his side. He added: "It will be a wake-up call for one or two, who again think they can turn up and play just because of who they are, regardless of whether they have played much football."

Six names in the frame

# Jim Jefferies Could be persuaded to return to Tynecastle if given assurances that Romanov won't interfere in team matters.

# Billy Davies Looking for a return to management after parting company with Derby recently. Another who wouldn't put up with any meddling from above.

# Craig Levein Currently in charge at Dundee United. Vacated the Tynecastle hotseat prior to Romanov's arrival. Unlikely.

# John Robertson Maybe a case of once bitten, twice shy for man sacked by Romanov in 2005. Available after leaving Derry City.

# Aidy Boothroyd Unconvential but successful Watford manager and one-time Hearts player. Lack of gravitas may count against him.

# Steve McClaren If Andy Robinson can move from head coach of England to taking charge of a club side in Edinburgh then why not McClaren?

Taken from the Herald