Backing from Hearts owner 'makes no difference' to boss Ian Cathro

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro is relaxed about the backing given to him by owner Ann Budge and reiterated that there are no grey'' areas at Tynecastle.

Budge released a lengthy statement on the club's official website on Wednesday bringing the Jambos fans up to date on various issues such as the redevelopment of the main stand.

She also saw fit to clarify the role of director of football Craig Levein, saying: For the avoidance of doubt, Ian picks the team''.

Budge stressed her support for 30-year-old Cathro who has been under scrutiny since taking over the Tynecastle club in December, which she claimed at times, has reached ludicrous proportions''.

Ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Friday night, Cathro said: It makes no difference.

I haven't been through all the details yet but it is one of the positive things about the club, that the fans and everyone is kept informed about the feelings of the owner and the leadership of the club.

I know that it is a regular thing.

One of the reasons that this is the right club is because of the leadership that is here, the support that is here.

I don't see a need to continually go into details of that.

There isn't a grey area. There's maybe some misunderstandings that continue to exist but they are not our responsibility.

For me things are very clear. They were before day one and they remain the case now.

It is a very strong comfortable working relationship that we all have here.''

Esmael Goncalves, who joined the club in January after leaving Anorthosis Famagusta, also backed Cathro and believes the best of his work will be seen next season.

He said: All the players trust him and believe that his plan is going to work.

We see it in the training, what he says and does is clear.

Everyone understands this plan. Every player has confidence in him.

I am sure you will see what Ian is really capable of doing (next season).

I know how he thinks and works, if you give him time, he will show amazing things here.''

The 25-year-old striker, however, admits the Hearts dressing room has been a happier place since he scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Dundee last weekend.

The Tynecastle men's first win in four games kept them five points behind fourth-placed St Johnstone with six fixtures remaining.

He said: When you lose you are not happy in the dressing room. When you win it is completely different.

Everybody is dancing in the room with the music, laughing. So it was a very important win.

We needed a win and it didn't matter how we played.

We want to go to the Europa League.''

• ian cathro