Bobby Robson could still become Hearts manager but he has told the club the ball is in their court.
The 72-year-old had been strongly linked with the Tynecastle job following the shock departure of George Burley two weeks ago.
However, after chief executive Phil Anderton was sacked and chairman George Foulkes resigned on Monday, the veteran coach appeared to be hesitant over a move to Edinburgh.
But Robson insists he has not ruled himself out of the job yet.
The former England manager told Scotland Today: “It is still an open book. It is a question of how far Hearts want to pursue the matter.
“I have still got my enthusiasm and my knowledge. I’m in very good condition.
“I want to work – I like working – and I have missed the job in the last year since I left Newcastle.
“So I am just waiting to see what develops. I am not in a hurry to take the wrong job.”
Hearts slipped off the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table last weekend when they were beaten at Hibernian.