Jim Jefferies appointed new Hearts manager

Csaba Laszlo was sacked and replaced by Jefferies inside a manic two hours yesterday afternoon as Hearts motioned their 1998 Scottish Cup-winning manager back to the stadium he calls home.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, Jefferies, who has signed a three-year deal, revealed today that he fully intends to work flat out over the weekend in an attempt to reinforce Hearts' forward line before the window closes at midnight on Monday.

He has already discussed the matter of a striker with sport director Alexandr Metlitski and board members Sergejus Fedotovas and Vitalijus Vasiliauskas. Although time is short, Jefferies pledged to do everything in his power to facilitate a new arrival.

Jim Jefferies factfile and career history

"I'll be trying my best," he said. "From the discussions I had with Sergey, him and I got on great. He swore to do everything he can to support me and help me. I'll try and do the same for the club.

"I've mentioned a striker to them. We don't have much time so I'm going to have a busy weekend. It's hard enough in the transfer market but at this time of the season so many players you want are not available.

"That's something you have to accept. If it doesn't happen we'll have to get the best out of what we've got here.

"If I get an opportunity to add something I'll put it forward. If it's not possible, we'll just get on with it.

"I'm older and wiser now and I realise that, in the present climate, anyone coming in has to be an asset to the club.

"It's not just bringing someone in for a change of face.

"He has to be able to do something special."

The appointment of Jefferies came just two hours after Hearts announced Laszlo had left the club.

The Hungarian was told he was sacked for disrespecting the current squad of players by openly discussing potential signing targets and for linking himself with other managerial vacancies.

He was relieved of his duties during a mid-afternoon meeting with Metlitski, Fedotovas and Vasiliauskas.

• 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