13 potential candidates who could replace Craig Levein as Hearts manager

Craig Levein has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Hearts and will step down from the club's board at the end of the season.

Hearts striker Steven Naismith.

Hearts will immediate start their search for a successor. We take a look at some of the names likely to be mentioned over the coming days and (potentially) weeks.

Stephen Robinson

The Motherwell manager has successfully kept his club away from the relegation battle during his time in charge and have reached two major finals. They're currently third in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Jack Ross

Was previously on the coaching staff underneath Robbie Neilson but was relieved of his duties by the club. Unless both sides are prepared to forgive and forget this is unlikely to happen.

Austin MacPhee

The assistant manager will take temporary charge while Hearts look for a successor. If he can immediately improve results and performances then the board may consider him.

The ex-Rangers striker was promoted to temporary charge when Ian Cathro was sacked, winning once and drawing another in four matches before Levein took over the first-team.

Steven Naismith

He acts like a manager on the pitch, could he be one from the dugout? The forward's injury-blighted start to his four-year contract might have the board considering an early push into management.

Tommy Wright

The St Johnstone boss has been continually talked up as one of the better managers in the league but has yet to move to a bigger club. Could this be the time?

Robbie Neilson

The former Hearts head coach successfully guided the club to a Championship title and then third place in the top flight in his two seasons in charge. Would the board be interested in bringing him back?

Michael O'Neill

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been a rumoured target in the past, most likely due to his residence in Edinburgh. His bumper contract with the Irish FA would probably make any move unlikely.

John Robertson

The club legend didn't fare too well in his former spell as boss, but then his tenure did occur during a period of much upheaval off the park with Chris Robinson being bought out by Vladimir Romanov. Currently doing a good job with ICT.

Stevie Crawford

The former Hearts assistant manager is back in management with Dunfermline Athletic. The jury is still out on him in the second tier so mark this one as another unlikely option.

Neil McCann

The ex-Hearts winger has been the subject of supporter speculation in the past and is currently a free agent having been relieved of his duties at Dundee last year.

Gary Locke

Though he's struggled elsewhere in management, a significant section of the support still fondly view Locke's time in charge at Tynecastle as his young side bravely fought against relegation. Currently a club ambassador.

Paulo Sergio

The 2012 Scottish Cup-winning manager has expressed a desire in returning to the club and applied last time around. The club, though, weren't interested on that occasion and may retain that stance.