You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hearts vacancy in demand

General Sports News

Hearts vacancy in demand

25/10/2005

Sir Bobby Robson and John Gregory are among more than 20 applicants rumoured to have applied for the vacant manager's job at Hearts.

The Edinburgh club are currently top of the SPL but parted company with manager George Burley on Saturday after his relationship with the board became unworkable.

Despite Burley saying before he left that he was unhappy with the interference of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov in team affairs, it hasn't stopped many high-profile names being linked with the position.

As well as Sir Bobby, former Parma and Borussia Dortmund manager Nevio Scala has declared his interest, while current Hungary manager and German legend Lothar Matthaus is also rumoured to be interested.

"I will be very glad to talk if Mr Romanov picks up the phone," Scala said, who held talks with Hearts in the summer.

John Gregory has also admitted that a return to management at Hearts would be favourable to him.

"I have had no contact with Hearts but I would be interested in the job and a return to management," Gregory told Sky Sports.

Bookmakers have made Sir Bobby Robson favourite, and while the 72-year-old has admitted his interest, he has made it clear that he would accept no interference from anyone.

"I have never stood for any interference from my chairman and at all the clubs I've been at, the selection policy has been down to me," the former England, Barcelona and Newcastle manager said.

Romanov's spokesman, Charlie Mann, has attempted to play down any fears that potential candidates might have by insisting that George Burley always had full control over the team.

"Vladimir Romanov does not pick or select the team and George Burley always had the final say in the selection of the team," Mann said.

© Adfero Ltd