Sir Bobby Robson 7/2 favourite to be our next manager! Personally, I hope we get Claudio Ranieri or Ruud Gullit. http://www.willhill.com/iibs/en/buildcoupon.asp?couponchoice=FB828738
It's pretty surprising but I don't think this means an automatic end to Hearts' title challenge (or at least a Champions League place). Burley was a very good manager but Romanov has shown that he is capable of bringing some really good plaers to the club, if he can find the right coach (in the correct sense of the word), Hearts can still prosper, remember they have a core of very commited and professional players. It's just a case of finding somebody who is prepared to coach the side like a national team manager i.e. someone who works with what he has, he can't bring players in, he just has to organise the ones he is given. There will be plenty of decent maagers who would fancy that, Romanov will be casting a very wide net.
You'll be looking for someone with experience in a "director of football" role, presumably, as I think that's what Romanov is looking for. I don't think Ranieri would take the job, frankly, given what he's been through in the past in this regard. I also don't see why Robson's seemingly a shoe-in for the job.
There are rumors circulating that Burley was involved someway with Romanov's neice. Not likely methinks, but a fun rumors nonetheless.