Janczyk gives McGlynn vote of confidence

NEIL JANCZYK insisted today that John McGlynn's departure from Tynecastle will prove to be Hearts' loss and Raith Rovers' gain.

The former Tynecastle midfielder, who recently left Rovers, spent more than six years with McGlynn at Hearts and his progression through the ranks at the club mirrored closely McGlynn's own promotions up the coaching ladder.

The pair first worked together when Janczyk was just a young teenager and that relationship continued right up through the under-19s, reserves and then when the midfielder broke into the first team.

During those years, McGlynn played a key role in moulding the youngster's career and although Janczyk's decision to quit Raith for St Johnstone a couple of weeks ago means he'll miss out on a reunion with his mentor, he insisted the inside knowledge he has of the club and the man tells him the partnership will be a success.

"It's a really good chance for John and I'm pleased for him," said the 23-year-old.

"It's his first full-time managerial appointment and I think Raith will be a good club for him to go to. Hearts wanted to keep him and as they're a big club I think that shows that he was well thought of there and respected. There's obviously a lot going on there and I'm sure John leaving will be a bit of a blow.

"For Raith, though, it's a great appointment and he's obviously seen some potential in the club the same way that they have done in him."

Over the past two-years Hearts have never been far from the headlines and have regularly occupied both the front and back pages of the countries newspapers.

Time and again McGlynn found himself in the firing line as he was asked to step in as interim manager following the resignation or sackings of the club's bosses.

It's a responsibility he shouldered well, often appearing to hold the club together during some turbulent times since Vladimir Romanov gained control of the club.

And while Janczyk insisted the lure of becoming his own man would have been the main reason for quitting the Jambos he admitted the off-field problems engulfing Hearts almost certainly played a part.

"He's been through a lot at Hearts and coped with it all really well," said Janczyk.

"But there's only so much anybody can take which is maybe why he decided to take this opportunity at this stage."

Taken from the Scotsman