Raith Rovers allow Hearts to open John McGlynn talks

By SCOTT COULL
Published on 21/06/2012 01:40

HEARTS are expected to hold talks with John McGlynn about their managerial vacancy today after last night being given permission to speak to the Raith Rovers manager.

The Tynecastle club have been on the lookout for a new boss since Paulo Sergio turned down a new deal a fortnight ago, shortly after leading Hearts to Scottish Cup final glory against Hibs. And yesterday evening Raith Rovers announced on their website that an official approach had been made for McGlynn.

“Raith Rovers FC announces that Heart of Midlothian FC have formally sought permission to speak to John McGlynn regarding the vacant manager’s position at Tynecastle,” said a spokesman for the Kirkcaldy club.

“The board of directors has an excellent relationship with John and has no wish to stand in the way of his career progression should an opportunity arise for him. Accordingly we have acceded to Hearts’ request.”

Talks are likely to take place over the next 36 hours and an appointment could be made as early as next week.

McGlynn previously worked as a coach at Tynecastle and twice stepped in as caretaker manager in 2005 following the departures of John Robertson and George Burley.

He took up the Raith post the following year, ending a ten-year association with Hearts. McGlynn has won high praise for his work at Stark’s Park – in the 2008/09 season he guided Rovers to the Second Division title and in 2010 took the club to their first Scottish Cup semi-final for 47 years, losing out to Dundee United at Hampden.