Romanov to interview one more before Hearts boss named

VLADIMIR ROMANOV will interview at least one more managerial candidate next week after the Ugandan national coach Laszlo Csaba became the latest to claim an approach from Hearts.

The club's majority shareholder is anxious to appoint a new first-team figurehead but will speak to other contenders for the position after the weekend. He then hopes to reach a final decision and intends the new incumbent to be in place before the squad's tour of Germany, which begins on July 20.

With Stephen Frail seeking clarity on his future having been placed on gardening leave by senior management, Csaba has claimed he's had talks.

The 44-year-old Hungarian previously coached his own country and reputable club sides Ferencvaros and Borussia Monchengladbach. He will be best remembered by Hearts supporters as the man on the receiving end of John Robertson's infamous touchline kick at the end of a UEFA Cup match between Hearts and Ferencvaros in December 2004.

Csaba has not been formally offered the job but claims to have held productive discussions with Romanov. He stated that the approach from Tynecastle is "one of three good offers" he has received. "It's true the Hearts owner would like me to be his new coach," said Csaba.

"I know Mr Romanov very well and that he's had some problems recently with his coaches. But I've got a contract with Uganda until 2010 and I would like to go to the African Cup of Nations and maybe even the World Cup with this team.

"Still, anything can happen and if Hearts really like me they should speak next to the president at the Ugandan federation.

"In the last three weeks there have been approaches from a club side in South Africa and a European national team would also like me as coach, so Hearts is only one of three good offers I've received.

"But it would be a very good thing to work in the UK, which is respected as the home of football, and I know the SPL is a really good championship. I also enjoyed working at club level with Borussia Monchengladbach and Ferencvaros."

Meanwhile Ghanaian midfielder Larry Kingston, who reported for pre-season training yesterday after being on international duty last month, stressed that the Hearts players are willing to show commitment to whoever Romanov installs as manager.

"It is up to Mr Romanov to decide who he wants to bring in," said the midfielder. "He is the boss but we are ready to play for whoever that may be. The players have missed being around each other and we'll all be working hard together to be successful next season.

"The summer has been very busy for me as at the end of last season I reported for duty with the international team. We had four World Cup qualifiers to play and things went okay. We lost one and won three matches and we are still leading our group, which is good.

"I haven't had much of a break as the last game was on June 22 but I am used to that with international football. The new season is here now and I'm hoping to be free of injury and play week in, week out for Hearts. We must be looking to improve on last season which was no good at all for us.

"Hopefully this time everything will be better and that we can win something."