Kinnear claims Hearts link

Former Wimbledon and Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear claims he has been approached by Hearts to take over their newly-created director of football post.

Kinnear has been out of football since leaving the City Ground a year ago and is also on the short-list for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s post.

However, the 58-year-old is keen to talk to the Tynecastle club.

He said: “Hearts have made an approach to my agent and I am very keen to find out more about the job.

“The prospect of working in Scotland at a club that is clearly going places excites me. It’s also flattering to be on the Ireland short-list.

“Everyone knows it’s always been an ambition of mine to lead my country’s football team.

“I’ve stayed close to the game and I see at least one match a week. My appetite for football remains undiminished.”

Kinnear had seven seasons at Wimbledon after which he had spells at Luton and Forest.

The former Tottenham defender also held the post of director of football at Oxford, where Hearts head coach Graham Rix was once manager.

Rix, however, insists he is in the dark with regards the possibility of teaming up with Kinnear.

He said: “I obviously know Joe through the football world but we’ve never worked together.

“I know he has a good reputation but I know absolutely nothing about him coming here.”

A Hearts spokesman refused to comment on Kinnear’s claims.