Austin MacPhee rejects Pune City job to stay at Hearts

Hearts assistant coach Austin MacPhee has rejected the manager's job at Pune City

MacPhee held talks with the Hearts owner Ann Budge today and decided to remain in his current role as second in command to manager Craig Levein.

Pune City approached Hearts last week and were given permission to talk to MacPhee. They formally offered him the job last Thursday, proposing a lucrative six-figure salary. However, he has refused the proposal and said it was not the right opportunity.

He told the club website: "It was an interesting offer from the Indian Super League side and one I thought very seriously about. However, at this moment in time it is probably not the right opportunity for me and I am delighted to be continuing my work at Hearts.

"There is a lot to feel positive about as we head into the new season and I’m very much looking forward to the campaign ahead."

Pune City became aware of MacPhee when he attended a recent coaching seminar in India. He has been with Hearts since December 2016 and also works part-time as an assistant coach with Northern Ireland.