Hearts have officially appointed Paulo Sergio as their new manager who takes over with immediate effect from Jim Jefferies who has rejected an offer to become director of football at the club. Jefferies was sacked on Monday and former journeyman striker Sergio, who managed Sporting for six months last season, was appointed this Tuesday morning with the club confirming Jefferies has rejected an offer to become director of football. Jefferies said: "Even though I'm disappointed at leaving the club and everyone knows my strong connection to Hearts, I'd like to thank the club for the opportunity myself and Billy have had in the last 18 months. I also appreciate the offer to develop in a new role at Hearts, however it has perhaps come too soon and it might be something that I would consider at a later date. I want to wish the players and staff all the best for the forthcoming season and I'll certainly be hoping the boys can do the business on Thursday night."
It is understood that the players, looking ahead to Thursday's crucial Europa League second leg game against Paks at Tynecastle, were "unhappy" when told of Jefferies departure by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov at a meeting at the stadium. The players were reportedly told at the meeting that a manager "with European experience" was needed at the club and they were due to report to Tynecastle on Tuesday morning to meet their new manager. Romanov, whose seven-year tenure at Tynecastle is littered with managerial casualties including John Robertson, George Burley, Graham Rix, Valdas Ivanauskas and Anatoliy Korobochka, was at on hand on Sunday to see Hearts lose 1-0 to Dundee United.
Director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "We would like to thank Jim for his service to the club. He has supported us in our efforts to develop the team and the wider squad and we have enjoyed a good working relationship. The club did offer Jim another senior position but we understand his reasons for not accepting this and we wish him well for his future career beyond Hearts."