Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak knocks down rumor of interest in moving to Scottish Premier League team Hearts

By KERITH GABRIEL and Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: June 12, 2012

SCOTTISH PREMIER League side Hearts is looking for a new manager and, according to a report, Union boss Peter Nowak has thrown his name into the ring.

A report released Saturday by the Edinburgh Evening News, claims Nowak, along with former Olympiakos coach Oleg Potasov, have submitted resumes for the vacant position left by former Hearts boss Paulo Sergio, who rejected a new contract offer.

The Daily News contacted Nowak via text regarding the claim, which he replied was "absolute false." Nowak and the Union took on Reading United Saturday night but Nowak watched from a booth as a reserve-heavy Union side dispatched its minor league affiliate, 3-2. However, Barry Anderson, the author of the report, is sticking to his story. When asked via Twitter of Nowak's chances of getting the position, Anderson, using the Twitter handle @8Barryanderson, responded, "I'm not sure of his chances. I just know he applied."

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas didn't provide a specific number, but according to the report, said the club is prepared to financially offer a "sizable package."

"We are looking at a few options at the moment and they all sit within the timing for preseason preparations," Fedotovas told the Evening News. "Finance is the key. Nowadays in football, finance is always the key. But I believe we have a very sizeable package to offer."

Nowak, 47, has a healthy resume. Besides being regarded as a legend in Poland during his time as a player, as a coach he guided D.C. United to a MLS Cup title in 2004 and, in 2008, he led the United States under-23 national team at the Summer Games in Beijing. The Union is 21-30-24 all-time in MLS matches under Nowak.

As for Hearts, it ended the season 15-7-16 (52 points) and qualified for next season's Europe League campaign by virtue of a win in the Scottish Cup. Hearts takes a backseat to the more popular SPL clubs Celtic and Rangers, the latter currently in turmoil as it entered league takeover amidst massive debt.

"We want a person who is willing to undertake the job, to think about the job and not the safety net," Fedotovas said. "We still want a good reputation … a good name that people can trust. We are trying to get the best solution possible, so let's see how we can get on."

Contact Kerith Gabriel at gabrielk@phillynews.com

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