Hearts appoint McGlynn

Hearts have named Raith Rovers boss John McGlynn as their new manager. The 50-year-old replaces Paulo Sergio, who turned down the offer of a new contract at Tynecastle.

McGlynn spent 10 years as a coach with the capital club and also had a spell as caretaker boss before a five-year stint with Rovers that included a run to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and a promotion challenge that saw the Fifers come close to reaching the SPL.

A Hearts spokesman said: "Understandably the post attracted interest from around the globe and the quality of the applications made it a difficult decision.

"John's track record, though, in developing young players is outstanding and one of the key criteria for the appointment was an ability to successfully integrate youngsters into a senior squad which can compete competitively at the top end of the table.

"He also knows the club intimately, having spent 10 years as a coach here and we are confident he can take the club forward and build on last season's William Hill Scottish Cup triumph."

McGlynn added: "I'm looking forward to it and I'm delighted to be back. I've had five-and-a-half good years at Raith Rovers and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I built up some great relationships with the board of directors, the players, my backroom staff and all the fans. Everyone has been so good to me, to be honest, so it is a wrench to leave Raith.

"It's been good there and I've had some good times but it's time for a move. I'm ambitious and I'm delighted to get back to the SPL with a club that's at my heart."