Stephen Frail today reaffirmed that regardless of whether he is at Tynecastle next season he is doing everything in his power to put together a pre-season programme that will put the Edinburgh side in the best shape for 2008-09.

The Jambos have endured a rollercoaster season, exceptionally poor before the turn of the year, but much better since - although not enough to make the top six.

Speculation about Stephen's future has risen this week with the end of Hearts' season in sight, but he is remaining focused on his role and that of his team until something changes.

"It was not right from the start [this year] but we have to make sure it is for next season starting with a good per-season," he said at today's pre-match news conference.

"Between now and the first day of pre-season I will be working to make sure everything is right, whether it is me in charge or not.

"If it is not then I want to make sure I've left everything in place for whoever is coming in.

"It is not about me coming in, or the football club, and if all the preparations for pre-season, including the games we arrange, is in place and the players are aware of what is expected then hopefully it will make better ingredients for next season.

"We won't fix things by winning tomorrow, but we will by making a good start to next season."

Meanwhile, the interim boss confirmed that Mark Kerr and Alan Gow are not on Hearts' radar at this moment, however signing options for next season are currently being finalised.

"We need quality to come with quantity," he revealed after confirming that he and Anatoly Korobochka are working on targets.

"We've got some good quality here but we need to make sure that everyone who comes into the squad enhances the squad and has a desire to be successful as part of a team."

In other news Stephen Frail appeared to distance himself with the suggestion that Mauricio Pinilla has signed a new contract.

Marius Zaliukas is set to replace Christophe Berra tomorrow, whilst, as earlier revealed on Hearts News Today Ryan McGowan and Matej Rapnik could make their debuts at some stage tomorrow.

Tickets for the game against Kilmarnock are on sale now, priced from just £6. Click here for details.

On Hearts.TV today - watch highlights of the East of Scotland Shield, enjoy some fun with a very young Robbie Neilson and catch the pre-match news conference from Riccarton. Listen to tomorrow's game LIVE from 2pm!