Hearts have reportedly put their search for a sport director on the back burner as they deal with the arbitration tribunal process in a bid to overturn their relegation.
Ann Budge had been interviewing candidates to work alongside new manager Robbie Neilson, who also had input into the recruitment process.
But with the arbitration tribunal set to hear evidence this week and the legal costs that will incur, Hearts have shelved plans to bring in a sporting director, according to the Scottish Sun.
An appointment may now not be made until the next year, so it’s likely Neilson will oversee the recruitment of new players himself initially.
The former Tynecastle captain previously had Craig Levein as director of football before working with Tony Asghar at Dundee United.
Ex-Hearts, Rangers and Scotland defender Davie Weir was one of the candidates in line for the role, but will now remain is his loan role at Brighton for the time being.
Adrian Bevington, former FA comms chief and head of recruitment at Middlesborough spoke with Hearts, but the club decided to go in a different direction.
Neilson will now have to wait on support at that level, with Budge, who plans to step down from her chief executive role once the share transfer to the Foundation of Hearts has taken place, also seeking a candidate to fill her role when the time comes.
For the on the pitch help, Neilson plans talks with former United assistant Lee McCulloch when he returns from holiday.
The former Motherwell, Rangers and Wigan player left Dundee United a week ago, just before new boss Micky Mellon was officially unveiled.
It’s understood Neilson is keen to work with McCulloch again, and hopes to sort out a deal, but is happy to go with existing coaches Andy Kirk, Paul Gallacher and Liam Fox for the time being.
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