Hearts fans have mixed views over sacking of Csaba Laszlo

Other supporters spoke of their surprise in nearby pubs, where there was one main topic of conversation.

While there was some sympathy for the departing manager Csaba Laszlo, many welcomed the return of Jefferies. But there were some doubts as to whether he would be given the resources to turn the club around.

Former Hearts player Kris O'Neil, 29, from Tollcross, said: "I feel quite sorry for Laszlo, and I'm a bit disappointed. He's not been given a chance.

"He had done a lot for the club, and he's not been given the same courtesy back from the board. He could have done a lot more if he'd been given the strikers he wanted. It's a very strange atmosphere round the club. As far as stability is concerned, it's a disastrous decision."

In the Tynecastle Arms, a stone's throw from the stadium, fans watched the news unfold on the big TV screen. There had already been some speculation that Jefferies would be appointed manager, but many seemed surprised his name had been announced so quickly.

Benny Mullen, 61, retired, from Tynecastle, welcomed the news, saying: "He's got the experience and I think he'll do a good job. I've met him a few times, and he seems a nice guy."

But others had some doubts about the decision, and were concerned about the instability at the club.

Ewan Flint, 41, a business manager from Gorgie, said: "In a way, I'm surprised. I think he'll do a good job, if he's given the resources. He's already proved he can turn a team around. But one of the problems is we need strikers."

Brian Coats, 55, a forklift driver from Carrick Knowe, said: "I don't really see why Jim's taken the job. He's a Hearts man, but I'm not sure he's the right man for the job. But I hope he gets the power to make changes.

"There have been eight managers in a very short period of time. It seems that Romanov doesn't have confidence in any of them."

Robert Hay, 39, a student and barman at the nearby Diggers added: "It's certainly what everyone's talking about.

"The pub really came alive when we saw the news. Hopefully this will be a chance to turn the club around."

There was still a small group of fans waiting at the door to the stadium, after the players had left. They will certainly be watching closely to see what Jefferies does over the next few days.

• After nearly a decade, Jim Jefferies returns to spiritual home of Tynecastle with high hopes for Hearts

• Hearts fans have their say on Csaba Laszlo's departure

• Defiant ex-Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo paid the price for being 'nobody's puppet'

• I fear Vlad will never support his manager, says former Hearts defender Alan McLaren

• • Martin Dempster, who covered Hearts for the Evening News during Jim Jefferies' first spell in charge, welcomes his return to Gorgie

• Hearts fans have mixed views over sacking of Csaba Laszlo

• George Foulkes: Jim Jefferies the obvious choice for Hearts after 'inevitable' Laszlo sacking