Hearts have decided against entering the Intertoto Cup this summer to concentrate on ensuring next season is a successful one.The club have also shelved plans to arrange a high-profile home friendly, despite attracting a huge crowd to Murrayfield for last year's game against Barcelona.

Owner Vladimir Romanov is set to name a new manager in the close season as Hearts set about attempting to improve results after a frustrating campaign.

They could still finish in the top six this season but are determined to be challenging at the upper end of the SPL throughout next term.

Managing director Campbell Ogilvie said: "Before anything else the number one priority for Hearts pre-season is ensuring the most effective preparation.

"In future years we might consider the opportunity to participate in a tournament such as the Intertoto Cup, as it offers an excellent route to the UEFA Cup, or another major international friendly such as last year's game against Barcelona which was attended by 58,000 supporters.

"However, our strong feeling was that our pre-season had to offer the best opportunity to be ready for the start of the new campaign.

"My colleagues in the football department have led the way in these recommendations, and as a club Hearts is entirely behind the rationale involved.

"2008-09 is a very important season in the history of Hearts, and everything we do must be right."

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