Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown sacked on day of drama at Hearts

• Manager and No2 removed by owner Vladimir Romanov
• Paulo Sérgio set to take over as new manager

Ewan Murray
guardian.co.uk, Monday 1 August 2011 16.48 BST

Hearts are to appoint Paulo Sérgio as their eighth permanent manager in less than seven years after Jim Jefferies was relieved of his duties and offered the post of director of football at Tynecastle.

The surprise move came after the controversial Hearts owner, Vladimir Romanov, flew in for the 1-0 defeat by Dundee United on Sunday. On Monday Romanov met the management team of Jefferies and his assistant, Billy Brown, after training.

During that meeting Brown was sacked – he has immediately sought legal advice and is yet to sign documents to be released from his contract – and Jefferies was handed the possibility of a new role.

The 60-year-old will consider that offer and have discussions with his family overnight. Romanov believes his respect for Jefferies, who guided Hearts to the Scottish Cup during a first spell in office, is highlighted by the fact he wants him to head up player identification and recruitment at the club.

Whatever Jefferies's decision, Romanov already has his successor lined up. Sérgio, who managed Sporting Lisbon last season, will meet the Hearts players before training on Tuesday.

The Tynecastle squad were summoned to a meeting with Romanov at 3pm on Monday. During those talks, the Lithuanian businessman informed players that the team needed fresh direction and the influence of someone with European football experience. Hearts sources have played down the prospect of the former FBK Kaunas coach José Couceiro taking the reigns at Tynecastle.

Romanov had become upset at a Scottish Premier League run in which Hearts have won just once in 14 outings. It is believed the change would have been made regardless of the Dundee United result.

Hearts drew 1-1 against Rangers at Ibrox on the opening day of their league season. They also face a crucial second leg of a Europa League qualifying tie against Paks in Edinburgh on Thursday. The first leg was drawn 1-1 in Hungary last week.

Taken from the Guardian/Observer