McGlynn takes temporary charge at Hearts

Hearts first-team coach John McGlynn admitted he was stunned to be put in charge of team affairs after the shock departure of manager George Burley today.

The former Derby and Ipswich boss has left Tynecastle after just 12 games with the club.

The 49-year-old had steered the team to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League after an unbeaten start to the league campaign – which included eight wins on the trot – and the Jambos held a three-point advantage over second-placed Celtic when Burley left.

But, after meeting Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov earlier today, McGlynn was told to take charge for the visit of Dunfermline.

McGlynn told BBC Scotland: “I got a call at the back of 10 to meet Mr Romanov.

“That was when I was told I would be in charge of the team today.

“Of course I was surprised. We are at the top of the table.”

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Celtic maintained the unbeaten run and kept the club three points clear of the Hoops.

After leaving Derby and moving to Tynecastle during the summer, Burley brought in players such as Rudi Skacel, Julien Brellier and Roman Bednar.

But a rift between Burley and Romanov appeared to have opened up before the end of August.

When Brazilian midfielder Samuel Almeida Camazzola arrived at the club on August 31, Burley conceded he had no involvement in the move.

On Friday, Romanov announced an increase in his stake to approximately 55.5% and offered 35p per share in an attempt to augment his holding.

The Lithuanian is hoping to take his shareholding up to 90%, and, once he reaches 75%, it means he effectively becomes the owner and can de-list the club from the Stock Exchange.

Motherwell boss Terry Butcher described the departure of Burley as “bizarre”.

He told BBC Scotland: “I couldn’t believe it. We heard just as the players were doing their pre-match warm-up.

“It is an amazing shock for Hearts and Scottish football. Hearts have been flying and they have been the best team in Scotland by a mile.

“You wonder how this will affect them now. It is just bizarre.

“The whole of Scottish football will be gobsmacked.”

Ex-Tynecastle defender Gary Naysmith was also shocked by the departure of Burley, who began his reign at the club with eight consecutive league victories.

The Everton player said: “I was surprised, I was driving up to the game and a friend called me to tell me George was no longer the manager but I thought he was kidding me on.

“I got five or six calls after that from people who knew I was coming up to the game but I am really in the dark like everyone else.

“It is a disappointment that George Burley is no longer the manager.

“Look at the start they have had – they are undefeated in the SPL and it will be a setback.

“But the players are professional and they would have got up this morning ready to prepare for the game.

“You have got to clear your head and worry about things after the game.”