Robson waits for Hearts to make next move

Bobby Robson is still interested in becoming the new Hearts manager as Graham Rix’s name entered the frame for the job.

The former England boss had spoken to Phil Anderton about the position before the Tynecastle chief executive was sacked on Monday.

Hearts chairman George Foulkes then resigned in protest at majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov’s decision to axe Anderton following manager George Burley’s exit.

The Lithuanian’s son, Roman, will now take up the challenge of finding a successor to Burley in his role as chairman and interim chief executive.

But Robson, 72, is still monitoring events at Tynecastle.

He told the Sunday Times: “I was hoping to have been the new manager by now.

“Negotiations were progressing splendidly with chief executive Phil Anderton and chairman George Foulkes until the day of drama on Monday when both men left.

“I’m in limbo now, with the ball very much in the court of the owner Vladimir Romanov and his son, Roman.

“Mr Romanov knows the terms under which I would become manager, both financial and the way I would run the first team, but, of course he may prefer a less experienced manager who would work with the players hand-picked by the owner.

“I expressed my disappointment last week at Phil and George leaving the club, but I honestly don’t believe that will affect Mr Romanov’s decision.

“I think, if he sees me as the man to take Hearts forward, he will appoint me. If he wants a yes-man as a manager, he won’t.”

Former Chelsea first-team coach Rix, 48, has been out of the game since leaving Oxford in March.