With his garden now blooming, Stephen Frail finally ended his association with Heart of Midlothian on July 9, 2008.

As the now traditional ''left by mutual consent'' line was trotted out again sadly, the signing of a confidentiality agreement once more ensures that Hearts fans, desperate for a true insight into the running of the club, have been frustrated again.

Opinion on Frail's tenure in charge was always mixed amongst fans. In my opinion he did a decent job. He steadied the ship after the departure of the anonymous Angel Chernekov, getting Hearts out of potential relegation trouble and briefly into an unlikely challenge for a European spot.

Then his inexperience began to show through, bringing some erratic selections and substitutions coupled with a seeming lack of motivational skills at crucial times. The Euro challenge faded fast and the drift into bottom-six obscurity, ultimately, was all that was deserved for the season's efforts.

Perhaps, in Frail's case, familiarity bred contempt amongst his charges. ''Shaggy'', as he was continually referred to in print by his players, was too matey, too nice a guy to do what was needed and kick some ass at the right time.

For all concerned, that should have been that. He should have been thanked for his efforts and left with his head held high, ready for a new challenge. Instead, he's been kept on a string throughout the close season with no communication from ''those above''.