Win games and negativity will disappear, says Budge

● Hearts chairwoman insists she is listening to fans but can’t let their reaction influence ‘sensible’ business judgment

the model we have introduced to succeed. And I think he can do it.”

She said that, having decided on the way forward, the biggest concern was whether Levein would agree to assume the extra responsibility.

“He wasn’t hesitant which took me by surprise because I thought he would be. He had, obviously, been thinking as well. The fundamental thing which was mentioned a few times was stability. I think he realised he actually was the best solution.”

With key positions throughout the academy now filled by people he trusts and things ticking overnicelythroughout the rest of his football domain, the former Scotland boss recognised that his diluted director of football responsibilities gave him the flexibility to return to a job he had been missing.

“Bringing in anyone unknown would have brought a little bit of risk to it,” explained Budge.

“The risk in this one is that Craig will be wearing two hats. I have taken an extra week to convince myself that is okay. The big thing was stability and Craig was very, very keen to do it.”

In her statement announcing his appointment, the chairwoman had enjoyed a dig at those who believe he has been pulling the strings all along, stating that, “yes, for the first time in the last three years he will indeed be picking the team”. That theme continued as they faced the media yesterday, with Levein drolly saying that he would now be able to take responsibility for all future results and not just the defeats.

But Budge added that reverting to experience this time around did not mean they were abandoning the plan to develop young coaches and promote from within.

Jon Daly, who had been at the helm for the past four matches,

0 Hearts owner Ann Budge and newly re-appointed manager Craig Levein deep in conversation as had been seen as a contender for the post on a more permanent basis but, having met with him, Budge said he understands that at least the appointment offers continuity for the coaches and players.

Although Levein has a threeyear contract, Budge would not rule out the possibility of him standing aside sooner if he felt the blossoming coaches were ready to succeed him.

“It’s a possibility but, equally, I was surprised he was willing to go back into first-team management and he might love it so much he doesn’t want to go back to just being a director of football.

“We did look at whether it would be a barrier to the young guys, but, if Ian had worked out, he would have been just as much of a barrier, so I think this move shows our commitment to developing young coaches.”