Jefferies calls for change at Tynecastle

Former Hearts manager Jim Jefferies reckons the club’s entire football operation needs a complete overhaul following the club’s relegation from the Premiership.

Manager Daniel Stendel is now said to be out of contract after the Gorgie outfit’s fate was sealed when top-flight clubs unanimously agreed the season could not be completed.

Jefferies, who led Hearts to Scottish Cup glory in 1998 before returning for a second stint in charge in 2010, is adamant major change is needed on and off the pitch.

Jefferies said: “I think having a connection with the club, I’ll be honest, after the season they’ve had, I think it does need a bit of a change, a revamp, to go down a different path – start afresh, make a lot of decisions and changes.

“It would be nice to be asked to be involved if there is some way I could help, whether it is overseeing a younger manager or even an experienced manager.

“It would be nice to be involved because I’ve had Hearts all my life, had a couple of great spells, and when I do go to the games I do have an opinion about what’s needed.

“If you set out the project and it does not work you need to change and do something else.”

Jefferies, who also captained the club, insists Hearts would have to make the first move should they want him to return.

Owner Ann Budge is likely to need to make key appointments this summer with both former manager and director of football Craig Levein and ex-assistant manager Austin MacPhee set to depart at the end of this month.

Jefferies, League Two Edinburgh City’s director of football since February 2017, also believes he could provide assistance in recruitment.

Speaking to The Longest Forty, he added: “I’ve built teams and I’ve always built them without paying a lot of money, and I think Hearts have paid a lot of money and not been successful.

“If asked I would certainly be interested but I’m certainly not going to be pushing.

“If I can help of course I would. It would only come if they wanted me to help.”

Jim Jefferies: Keen to be involved in recruitment.