The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Sergio forced to play a waiting game at Hearts
Paulo Sergio is awaiting the next move from the Hearts board over his future as the capital club prepares for its final match at Tynecastle of a tumultuous season which could yet end on a high.
Sergio, who succeeded Jim Jefferies as Hearts manager in August, is out of contract at the end of the campaign which concludes with the Scottish Cup final against Hibernian on May 19.
First Hearts meet St Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League in Edinburgh tomorrow seeking a win to keep alive their bid for a place in the Europa Leagueuntil the finaldayof the SPL season.
Sergio has guidedhearts through a challengingcampaign featuring wage delays and previously stated his desire to remain at Tynecastle.
However, Sergio is at the mercy of owner Vladimir Romanov, director Sergejus Fedotovas and managing director David Southern over an extension to his current contract.
“The timing is not mine,” Sergio said. “It’s not me that should be asking the board to table.
“We have been talking, people showed to me that they want me to stay, but the next move is not mine. Thenext step is for the ones who pay.”
Sergio insisted he is not concerned about what the future holds.
He said: “I’m never worried about the future. Our future is today.
“If you do well today, I’m sure tomorrow the sun is going to be shining.
“If you forget to do what
sit around the you should do every single day, maybe tomorrow it’s raining.
“Live your day, do what you can, live 100% every minute of your life. It’s the way I live.”
Victory for St Johnstone would wrap up fifth place for the Perth side and a place in the Europa League next term, meaninghearts’ only avenue to continental competition would be by winning the first all-edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896.
Chrismillar isadoubtfor St Johnstone following his groin injury against Celtic on Thursday.
Fransciso Sandaza is suspended, midfielder Lee Croft is still out with ahamstring injury, and Dave Mackay is likely to be missing again due to a family issue while on-loan Celtic forward Jameskeatings returns after being sidelined for the game against his parent club.