John McGlynn vows to never lose his cool with referees

While fellow SPL bosses, such as Kilmarnock’s Kenny Shiels and St Johnstone’s Steve Lomas, have found themselves in hot water with the authorities of late after letting their frustrations get the better of them, McGlynn revealed that, throughout his managerial career, he has made a conscious effort not to fall foul of referees.

He admits he gets riled by refereeing decisions just like any manager, but believes it does no good to get embroiled in issues with officialdom.

And the Hearts boss, who knows his emotions will be tested to the limited in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup tie against Hibs, is baffled at how so many of his peers constantly allow referees to get the better of them.

“In every game I challenge myself not to get involved with officials – and I win,” he said. “I never say a word to the ref. Every game I say to myself: ‘Don’t get involved with the referee.’

“It’s something I’ve worked on for years, not just at first-team level, but coming through the youths. It stems from putting up with certain situations that you just get worked up about and lose your focus.

“Only twice have I ever lost it, once with Gordon Strachan which was highlighted the other night. The other was a stupid reserve game with Raith Rovers where I got sent to the stand.

“I went to Hampden and went through all the rigmarole – what a waste of time. So I challenge myself not to get involved. They [officials] know that as well and try their best – but they won’t win. I’ll never get sent to the stand.”

McGlynn acknowledges his laid-back demeanour might be mistaken for a lack of passion, but he insists that, on the inside, he’s always as fired up as the next man the moment he sets foot in the dugout.

He said: “I remember one game at Tynecastle when Terry Butcher was in charge of Motherwell and Craig Levein was manager of Hearts.

“Hearts lost the game and Terry went down the tunnel bawling and screaming. Craig heard it and was obviously annoyed and he punched the wall and broke his hand because of the emotion involved.

“Your emotions can get the better of you, but I try not to get involved. I’m emotional inside which can work against you because you don’t always show it, but I’m representing Hearts and trying to show I’m not a fruit and nut case.

“Of course, I’ve put myself right in the firing line with a trip to Easter Road next – if I keep my hands in my pockets I’ll be fine!”