His decision brings his seven-month spell as head coach to an end and the club will now begin the process of looking for a replacement.

Speculation had been mounting for several weeks that Robertson's tenure as Hearts boss was set to come to and end and he asked the club to clarify his position at the end of last week.

Following a lengthy meeting on Friday, the Hearts board – led by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov – refused to give their manager a vote of confidence and said an announcment would be made after the weekend game against Rangers.

Former England manager Terry Venables, former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat and Yeovil’s Gary Johnson had all been linked with the job before the Edinburgh club parted company with Robertson.

But Hearts claim they have only now began the process of looking for a new head coach.

A Hearts statement said: ``Heart of Midlothian Football Club has today parted company with head coach John Robertson.

“The move followed a review of football operations by the board which resulted in John being offered the position of assistant head coach in a revised coaching structure which he felt was unsuitable.

“Hearts Chairman George Foulkes said he was disappointed that the club and John had failed to reach an agreement.

“The club has now started the process of recruiting a new head coach.”