Departing McGlynn 'gutted but grateful' to Hearts

JOHN McGLYNN felt that he "couldn't have done any more" after leaving Hearts by mutual consent, his departure coming on the same day John Collins and Gareth Evans left their roles with Livingston.

McGlynn succeeded Paulo Sergio last summer and led the Tynecastle club to this month's Scottish Communities League Cup final. However, results were inconsistent, with defeat at St Mirren on Wednesday night leaving his side 11th in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Gary Locke, the first-team coach, and Darren Murray, the player development manager, will take interim charge, beginning with tomorrow's game against Motherwell.

McGlynn, a former Hearts youth coach and two-time caretaker manager, said he was "gutted" to be leaving but understood the reasons behind the decision. "I was very grateful to be given the chance to become the Hearts manager as it was my dream job," he said. "It was an honour and privilege to serve the club in this capacity and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the players, who have been top professionals.

"It is unfortunate things didn't turn out the way I wanted and I am gutted about that. I am a worker and want to get back into football as quickly as possible.

"I don't think I could have done any more but I know it is a results-driven business. We have had a lot of difficult circumstances to deal with and they have taken their toll in the end but no-one will be more delighted than me if the team can go on and win the League Cup."

Hearts' financial troubles have been well-documented and McGlynn had been forced to oversee a period of downsizing after a number of senior players left the club. A Hearts spokesperson said: "When John came to the club, Hearts were embarking on a transitional phase in the club's history. He began that important period of change and it is now imperative we find the right man to take the transition forward. The over-riding factor in this decision was the long-term well-being of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. We would like to thank John for his tireless efforts as manager of Hearts and wish him well with his career. He will be welcomed back to Tynecastle as guest of the club at any time."

Livingston are also looking for a manager after sacking Evans yesterday, a move that prompted director of football Collins to resign his post. The club sit fourth in the first division, 15 points behind leaders Morton.

A statement issued by the club last night read: "Livingston FC announces the departure of Gareth Evans following a managers' [sic] meeting today, where we voiced our concern over the stewardship of the club under Gareth. This despite results being generally acceptable. John Collins, having appointed Gareth to the post despite certain reservations, has regrettably decided to tender his resignation following our decision to relieve Gareth of his duties."

Coach Richie Burke will take charge until Livingston find a permanent successor.

Taken from the Herald