Paulo Sergio confirmed as Hearts boss as Jim Jefferies leaves Tynecastle

Published Date: 02 August 2011
DAVID GUNN
HEARTS have confirmed the appointment of former Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Sergio as their new manager, following the surprise removal of Jim Jefferies yesterday.

Jefferies, a former captain of the Tynecastle club who led them to a third-place finish in the SPL last season, has refused majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov's offer of a role as director of football.

Reports quickly emerged that 43-year-old Sergio was being lined up to take over at Tynecastle during a day of drama at the Edinburgh club.

And former striker Sergio, who managed Sporting for six months last season, was duly appointed this morning.

Jefferies told the club's website: "Even though I'm disappointed at leaving the club and everyone knows my strong connection to Hearts, I'd like to thank the club for the opportunity myself and Billy have had in the last 18 months.

"I also appreciate the offer to develop in a new role at Hearts, however it has perhaps come too soon and it might be something that I would consider at a later date.

"I want to wish the players and staff all the best for the forthcoming season and I'll certainly be hoping the boys can do the business on Thursday night."

Hearts players were reportedly told at the meeting that a manager "with European experience" was needed at the club and they were due to report to Tynecastle this morning to meet their new boss - whose Sporting side were knocked out of the Europa League in the last 32 by Rangers in February.

Romanov, whose seven-year tenure at Tynecastle is littered with managerial casualties including John Robertson, George Burley, Graham Rix, Valdas Ivanauskas and Anatoliy Korobochka, was at Tynecastle on Sunday to see Hearts lose 1-0 to Dundee United in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Jambos are without a win since the 3-2 defeat of St Mirren on March 19 - a run of form which is reported to have influenced Romanov's decision.

However, Hearts started the season with a 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox in the SPL and followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Paks in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier in Hungary.

Director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "We would like to thank Jim for his service to the club.

"He has supported us in our efforts to develop the team and the wider squad and we have enjoyed a good working relationship.

"The club did offer Jim another senior position but we understand his reasons for not accepting this and we wish him well for his future career beyond Hearts."

Taken from the Scotsman