Ivanauskas leaves Hearts

SPL: Valdas Ivanauskas has left his post as head coach of Hearts by mutual consent.

The Lithuanian had been replaced on a temporary basis by Anatoly Korobochka amid rumours he was set to leave Tynecastle.

"I am very proud to have been Hearts' coach," Ivanauskas said on the club's official website, www.heartsfc.co.uk.

"In my career as a young coach, it has been my best and most interesting experience."

Ivanauskas, who has also coached FBK Kaunas, was reported to be set to take up a new role taking across Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov's football empire.

"I want to say how proud I am of the team. The team is currently in the process of forming itself and I can see it will have a great future.

"I would like to thank the staff at the club, who have supported me during my time in Edinburgh.

"Above all, I would like to express my gratitude to the best fans in Scotland, especially those who have given their support when times were tough."

Saturday's 4-0 rout at home by Dundee United leaves Hearts fourth in the SPL, six points behind Aberdeen.