Hearts hero Jim Jefferies has responded to speculation linking him with a return to the club as sporting director.
The former Jambos manager has been among the names mentioned in connection with the role in recent weeks, with the club looking to make fill the position sooner rather than later.
Jefferies says whoever does land the gig will have a big job on their hands but says any suggestion he's about to be appointed are wide of the mark, as reported by the Daily Record.
He said: "I’ve never applied for anything. People have asked me about it and told me I’d be ideal but until you’re asked and know what the job entails it’s all hearsay and rumours.
“I’ve gone on record saying if Ann [Budge] ever needs advice or help then she just has to give me a phone.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with the top Hearts stories of the day, as well as breaking news alerts, text HEARTS to 07899068921. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live Sport'.
“Hearts started out with a plan four or five years ago to bring through young coaches to eventually become manager. But that hasn’t really worked out since they got promoted the first year then got third the following year.
“They were looking to kick on but I’m afraid it has been all downhill really.
“No young coaches have come through – Robbie’s been the only one but he was appointed manager right at the start. Others were earmarked but it hasn’t happened.
“The director of football or sporting director will have to look after a lot of things to get it back on track.”
For more Hearts news join our new group Hearts Live - News, transfer rumours and chat from Tynecastle
Jefferies, who is current sporting director at Edinburgh City, admits he didn't expect the appointment of Robbie Neilson to happen quite when it did.
He said: “A lot of people were a bit surprised it happened so quickly given what’s going on in football at the moment.
"We don’t know for certain where Hearts are going to be playing so it was surprising when the news broke that the deal had been done.”
