Scrutiny of Levein’s role at Hearts surprises Cathro

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro was surprised at the scale of the furore over Craig Levein’s input at Pittodrie – and disappointed that some people did not believe his explanation.

Cathro was questioned over the director of football’s influence after Levein passed a note to the dugout via coach Jon Daly and entered the dressing room at half-time during Hearts’ 2-0 defeat at Aberdeen on March 18.

The 30-year-old thought his response was sufficient, explaining that he likes to work with a number of coaches and always has someone in the stand to look out for trends and aspects of the game that he has flagged up.

But the issue has been debated in the media ever since and Cathro is frustrated that people have questioned his authority.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Celtic, Cathro said: “The fact of the matter is a very simple and clear situation: we work collectively, directed by me, for how we assess how things are going in the game based on the work and preparation we do as a team.

“I repeat, that process is an entirely normal thing. There are other things that create that being a story, (but) it’s a normal thing.

“The magnitude of it surprises me slightly. One thing that you hope, and I think this is important in life, when something comes up and you are asked to address something, and I did that, I explained .... If you want the answer by asking the question then we’ve all got to respect the answer.

“There is no drama inside what we do. The reality of how we work and how things are becomes something that is more understood, or at least believed, and maybe eventually this story will not return, but I imagine maybe it will.”

Ian Cathro has defended the role played by director of football Craig Levein at Tynecastle.