Hearts aflutter over new manager

Unbeaten run
Former Scottish international Burley surprisingly quit his post at the weekend, having led the Edinburgh club to top spot in the Scottish Premier League. The one-time defender had led Hearts on an unbeaten domestic run in the 113 days since he took charge of the club in the summer.

'Irreconcilable differences'
However, the former Scottish international is reported to have had an uneasy relationship with the club's major shareholder, Lithuanian businessman Vladimir Romanov, over signing and selection policies. A club statement released on Saturday evening cited "irreconcilable differences" between club and manager.

'World-class managers'
The club are now on the lookout for their fourth new manager in the space of a year, with chief executive Phil Anderton confirming that the club "will revisit names on the original list" from which they originally chose Burley - a list that includes former FC Barcelona and England coach Robson. "The debate about his age is not relevant," claimed Anderton. "We are looking for world-class managers and he is in that category."

Interested party
Robson, who has been out of work since leaving his home-town club Newcastle United FC is interested in the Hearts post. "I didn't take the job before for personal reasons, but my circumstances are different now," said Robson who will be in Edinburgh later week for the funeral of his former Fulham FC team-mate Johnny Haynes.

No interference
However, Robson has warned that he would not tolerate any attempt to influence team selection should he take up the post. "I have never stood for any interference from my chairmen," he said. "All the clubs I've been at, the selection policy has always been down to me."

Scala ready
Nevio Scala, has also thrown his hat back into the ring. The 57-year-old Italian felt his command of the English language and knowledge of the Scottish game was not good enough when he was interviewed for the post this summer, but is now willing to re-open negotiations with the Edinburgh club.

'Glad to talk'
"I will be glad to talk to Mr Romanov if he picks up the phone," said former Parma FC and BV Borussia Dortmund coach Scala. "Since the discussions fell through I haven't followed Scottish football although I know Hearts are top of the league, but I would be very, very interested."

Not hurrying
Anderton has said that Hearts "won't rush into a quick appointment," meaning that first-team coach John McGlynn is likely to be in charge for Wednesday's league game against Kilmarnock FC at Tynecastle as well as the Edinburgh derby away against Hibernian FC at Easter Road on Saturday.