HEARTS have confirmed Angel Chervenkov has returned to oversee pre-season training as club owner Vladimir Romanov's search for a new head coach continues.
Fitness coach Tom Ritchie has been putting the players through fitness programmes but, with interim manager Stevie Frail on gardening leave, Chervenkov reappeared at Riccarton yesterday ready to commence ball-work training.
The Bulgarian worked as
part of the managerial triumvirate at Hearts last season, which included sport director Anatoly Korobochka and Frail, but was sacked in December following a woeful run of results that saw the side slip to eleventh.
A Hearts spokesperson said: "Angel is assisting with first team pre-season training."
It's thought Chervenkov isn't being considered for the position on a permanent basis, although there are suggestions he could be appointed reserve team coach.
Chervenkov had been working with Lithuanian club FK Silute, a club Romanov is said to have connections with, in a consultancy role following his departure in December.
Christian Nade joined Chervenkov at Riccarton yesterday after his mysterious absence for fitness tests at the academy last week. It's thought the Frenchman didn't have permission to have an extended summer break but he has now rejoined his team-mates.
Meanwhile, freed Manchester United midfielder Ritchie Jones has reportedly had a medical at Hearts. The 21-year-old, who captained England at Under-19 level, was released by the English champions at the end of last month.
Jones, who is attracting interest from Tranmere, made five first team appearances for United and has also had spells on loan at Colchester, Barnsley and Yeovil.
The full article contains 267 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
