Metlitski exit hands further roles to Hearts boss

Hearts have parted company with sport director Alexandr Metlitski ten months into his job at Riccarton.

The club confirmed the Belarussian's departure as part of their ongoing operational efficiency plan, aimed at cutting costs amongst non-playing staff.

Metlitski was appointed sport director last December following Anatoli Korobochka's exit. One month later manager Csaba Laszlo was sacked and replaced by Jim Jefferies, who will now assume many of Metlitski's duties in relation to player scouting.

The move indicates further satisfaction with Jefferies on the part of the Hearts hierarchy. Majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov and director Sergejus Fedotovas, both based in Lithuania, will now liaise directly with Jefferies rather than communicating through a sport director.

The Evening News has learned that Jefferies' all-encompassing management style has seen him already performing tasks like scouting and identifying prospective new players for Hearts. He will now take on added responsibility within the club's football department.

Meanwhile, Tynecastle officials are continuing discussions with City of Edinburgh Council over their planning application for a new main stand. "The situation with the stand is protracted and we are continuing our talks with the council. We've asked for a further eight to ten weeks for us to do some assessments and studies," said David Southern, Hearts' managing director.

"I would reiterate that the development of Tynecastle is one of our priority areas and it is near the top of our agenda," added Southern.