Ex-Hearts manager Paulo Sergio lands Academica job

SCOTTISH Cup-winning former Hearts boss Paulo Sergio has returned to his homeland to manage Academica.

Paulo Sergio steered Hearts to the Scottish Cup title. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The 46-year-old Portuguese was in charge of the Tynecastle side for a season after being appointed in 2011 and masterminded their famous 5-1 Hampden win over Hibs in the 2012 final.

Sergio has since been in charge of Romanian outfit Cluj and Cypriot side APOEL, but was sacked from both posts.

However, he has returned to Portugal to take charge of ambitious Academica to replace Sergio Conceicao, who was headhunted by Braga.

A statement from the club said: “Paulo has managed at the top level and we are delighted to welcome him back to Portugal.”

Sergio was previously in charge of Sporting Lisbon before moving to 
Scotland. He quit Hearts two years ago after rejecting a vastly-reduced contract offer.