Hartley unfazed by Levein decision
PAUL HARTLEY insists he was NOT surprised to see Craig Levein appointed Hearts manager – despite the experienced coach being part of the panel that interviewed him for the vacancy.
The 40-year-old has offered an insight into the recruitment process, revealing he staked his claim for the post during a 90-minute meeting with – among others – owner Ann Budge and Levein, in his duty as the club’s director of football.
Despite feeling he had performed well, Hartley was overlooked for the top job at Tynecastle, as were the likes of Steven Pressley and Jon Daly, with Levein returning to the Jambos dugout for a second spell in charge.
However, the exDundee boss, who was signed for Hearts by Levein in 2003, is adamant he is not bitter regarding the snub.
He said: “I don’t think it was a shock to be quite honest. With the longer it went on – four weeks – it didn’t come as surprise.
“Ann Budge was there, as was Craig Levein, a member of the Foundation of Hearts and another board member. I spoke my mind and outlined what I felt my strengths were.
“I felt I interviewed as well as I could. I felt pretty confident. They’ve made a decision, I’m not disappointed. These things happen in football when you go in for a job. I wish the club all the best.
“I was grateful to get the interview in the first place because I think I was one of maybe four or five. It’s just another bit of experience for me.
“Craig was the director of football. He still is the director of football/ manager but I didn’t have a problem working under that structure. The clear thing for me was that I had the final say of picking the team and picking the players. It wasn’t going to be an issue.”