BILLY DAVIES has withdrawn from the race to become the next Hearts manager after meeting with the Tynecastle board.

Davies has been out of the game since leaving Nottingham Forest two years ago and was in the running to replace Ian Cathro in Gorgie.

The 53-year-old has also previously worked at Motherwell and Preston North End and, in a statement released by agents Superior Sports Management, he said: “I spoke to Hearts, looked at their structure and gave them a clear plan on how to alter it to improve the club.

“It appears they are not ready to make the internal changes required to achieve greater success. It seems to me they just want to change the figure head.

“It's my belief just changing the manager will not achieve what's required for success and perhaps the alterations are outwith their financial boundaries at present. I wish them well in their future endeavours.”