VLAD'S AFTER BILLY

BILLY DAVIES has been targeted to become the next manager of Tennent's Scottish Cup winners Hearts.

And that means Valdas Ivanauskas, the man who guided the team to Saturday's Hampden victory and second place in the SPL, is not in Vladimir Romanov's long-term plans, despite the fact skipper Steven Pressley has indicated the players want him to remain at the helm.

Preston boss Davies, whose team lost out in the play-offs for a place in the Premiership, has already been approached by a third party acting on behalf of the Jambos.

Tynecastle owner Romanov has been vague about the chances of Ivanauskas keeping the job he inherited after the departure of first George Burley, then Graham Rix.

But if Romanov is to tempt 41-year-old Davies back north, he will have to compete with the likes of Charlton, Ipswich and Derby who have also been impressed by his record.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw said: "Billy is happy here and under contract to us but it wouldn't surprise me if someone knocked on our door."

Taken from the Daily Record