Dundee United manager Peter Houston has hit out at Hearts’ “disgraceful” treatment of Jim Jefferies and his assistant Billy Brown.
The Tannadice boss became firm friends with the pair when he worked with them during their first spell at the Edinburgh club.
And Houston admitted he was shocked when he heard that controversial Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov had sacked them less than 24 hours after United had won at Tynecastle on Sunday.
Former Sporting Lisbon boss Paula Sergio has now been installed as Hearts’ 11th manager in Romanov’s near seven-year tenure at Tynecastle and has focused his attention on tomorrow’s Europa League third qualifying round second leg with Hungary’s Paks in Edinburgh.
Houston said, “I have known Jim and Billy for many years and have always said that if they were given the chance to run Hearts the way they wanted, then they would make a success of it.
“They are one of the most experienced management teams in the country and they know players inside out. They know what it takes to do well in the SPL so for this to happen to them is nothing short of disgraceful.
“I spent a number of years at Hearts and it is a fantastic football club. But the vibe I get from Hearts supporters I know is that they are becoming cheesed off with all the goings on.”Fraser injuredMeanwhile, highly-rated Dundee United midfielder Scott Fraser was last night in hospital after breaking his leg in training.
Houston felt the teenager was ready to make an impact this season so he was understandably gutted at what has happened to the player.
He said, “Young Scott broke his leg in training. It was a complete accident and he is in hospital waiting for an operation.
“He is a player we have really high hopes for so hopefully he will make a quick recovery.”