Who will choose the new manager?

A sub-group within the club made up of board members and other executive staff will handle any applications for the job. Jamestown Analytics – the company owned by Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who is close to agreeing a deal with Hearts – will also be used to assess potential candidates.

A shortlist will be drawn up and when interviews are complete and a preferred candidate is identified, this will be put forward to the board for their approval.

What timescale is there for the appointment?

There is no specific timescale, however by the end of this week a list of potential candidates will be looked at.

Hearts travel to Azerbaijan next week to begin their Conference League campaign against the Belarusian side Dynamo Minsk before the team travel to Aberdeen for their final league match before the international break.

Although it is unlikely an appointment will be made prior to this, if a standout candidate becomes available the Hearts board may move quickly.

Who is in the frame?

The names of Kilmarnock’s Derek McInnes, Stephen Robinson of St Mirren and Dundee boss Tony Docherty have all been linked with the job in the last 48 hours.

All three have strong credentials for the role and it would be a surprise if they are not under consideration.

However with the advantage of having the use of Jamestown Analytics to assess potential new head coaches/managers, it seems likely they will put forward names that are less well known but have the tools to take the club forward and achieve the goals fans crave.