Hearts ‘delay’ sporting director appointment as arbitration takes priority

Tynecastle Park is pictured during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Hearts are believed to have put their search for a sporting director on hold as they await the outcome of the upcoming arbitration process.

Ann Budge had been interviewing candidates for the position but reports suggest the Jambos owner has now postponed an appointment after deciding the role does not need filled at this time with the club currently embroiled in a fight to have their relegation overturned.

With legal costs to consider ahead of the arbitration tribunal, which will hear evidence for the first time when it gets underway this week, Budge is said to have shelved plans to fill the vacancy in the immediate future but remains hopeful of appointing someone before the January transfer window.

The sporting director’s remit would be similar to the director of football position held by Craig Levein in recent years, with a strong focus on helping prepare youth academy players for the first team.

Former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland defender Davie Weir, currently employed in a player development role at Brighton, had been among the names linked with the position, but the decision to delay now leaves new head coach Robbie Neilson in sole charge of the football department for the time being.

Neilson plans to hold talks with Lee McCulloch in the coming days over a possible coaching role at Tynecastle following his former Dundee United assistant manager’s departure from Tannadice last week.