Hearts will step up their hunt for a new manager on Friday after the axe finally fell on Craig Levein .
The embattled Tynecastle boss was sacked a day after his failing side slumped back to the bottom of the Premiership , level with St Mirren, following a defeat to St Johnstone.
Levein, who has been under increasing fire from brassed-off Jambos supporters has also stepped down from the board and from his position as director of football.
But he will remain employed by Hearts until the end of the season when his contract is up, overseeing background and youth operations.
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson is an early frontrunner to replace the 55-year-old but the Northern Irishman is under contract at Fir Park until 2022 and would cost around £150,000 in compensation, according to the Mail .
Robinson's star continues to rise with Well sitting third in the Premiership after the 44-year-old oversaw an impressive change in style last season from a physical, direct approach to a youthful attacking philosophy.
Jack Ross is also a name in the frame following his sacking at Sunderland last month. The 43-year-old may have been axed by the Black Cats after failing to secure a return to the Championship but his stock is still high north of the border after his work at St Mirren.
Former Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams, Jambos legends John Robertson, Neil McCann and Steven Pressley, Scotland U21 manager Scot Gemmill and Livingston boss Gary Holt are also contenders for the job with Ann Budge and the Tynecastle board set to step up their recruitment drive on Friday.
Budge is keen on a swift appointment with falling ticket sales and fan dismay adding to the Jambos' woes.
Levein's assistant Austin MacPhee has been installed as caretaker boss and will take training this morning with just two days to go until the Jambos face Rangers in the Betfred Cup Final.
MacPhee could also be a potential candidate although his association with two failed managements teams in Gorgie could rule him out.
