'Sublime to the ridiculous' - Hearts owner Ann Budge's managerial criteria outlined after Craig Levein was sacked and the 70 applicants

Hearts owner Ann Budge outlined the criteria for a new manager on This Is Our Story documentary. Picture: SNS

When Craig Levein was sacked as Hearts manager last season, the club were inundated with applications for the vacant post.

More than 70 managers applied before German boss Daniel Stendel was appointed as Levein’s replacement in December.

In the first episode of the BBC documentary ‘This Is Our Story: Inside Hearts’, owner Ann Budge revealed those applying for the job ranged “from the sublime to the ridiculous”.

A host of names were linked during the period of Levein’s departure and Stendel’s appointment, including Stephen Robinson, Jack Ross and even Roy Keane.

Captain Steven Naismith revealed the “craziest” rumour which had him assistant manager to former Hearts ace Neil McCann.

“From some really, really big names to people nobody has ever heard of,” Budge said on the documentary. “I’ve had applications from people who have managed some of the biggest international clubs. We've had applications from South America, South Africa and basically all of the main European countries.

“Trying to weed them down is quite tricky. This is important, a dynamic individual who can deal with a squad low in confidence.”

During the episode, viewers were shown a glimpse of the managerial criteria Budge had set out when making the appointment.

Hearts had more than 70 applicants to replace Craig Levein as manager. Picture: SNS

Within the checklist there were few surprises with Budge keen to appoint a manager rather than a head coach with a “track record” of integrating players from the academy.

The managerial criteria:

Looking for a manager not a head coach

Individual must demonstrate an understanding of Scottish football

Dynamic individual who can deal with a squad low in confidence

Proven ability to communicate at all levels:

- Reporting to a chief executive

- Managing a mixed squad of experienced / inexperienced players

Experience of managing mature, experienced and successful players

- Must have credibility / gravitas

Demonstrate a track record of playing younger players

- Youth development buy in

- Evidence of this

Open-minded and a willingness to embrace sports science analytics

A proven record of working within a budget

If current position is Assistant Manager we need to fully understand

- Current role and responsibilities

- Reporting lines

- Extent of managerial responsibility