In 1978, Hearts 52-year old sport director, Anatoly Korobochka, was awarded the prestigious title of Master of Sport in the former USSR. This is a highly regarded honour which was due to his stalwart contribution to senior football in the old Soviet Union that commenced as a teenager with the Ukrainian club, SC Tavriya Simferopol.

At that time, Anatoly was a skilful attacking midfielder and during the 1973 season his ten goals in 36 games helped Tavirya to win the Second League Zone Championship and subsequently gain promotion to the First League. Anatoly then scored 27 goals in 134 games in the higher division and Tavirya became regular challengers for promotion to the Soviet Supreme League.

The 5'8" playmaker did eventually play at the top level after moving to CSKA Moscow in 1978. He was in the army-sponsored side for three seasons making 64 appearances and scoring 4 goals. In 1981, Anatoly moved to SKA Odessa in the First League and played 73 championship games scoring seven goals. Unfortunately, Odessa was relegated in 1982 and the following year, the skilful midfielder decided to concentrate on coaching activities.

In 1991, Anatoly became the coach of CSKA Moscow reserves and then in 1993 he stepped up to look after the main CSKA squad. He was eventually promoted to team chief (effectively head coach) in July 1993 and remained in the position until 1998. At this time, Anatoli earned his much admired reputation for the identification and development of young players.

Anatoly had a brief spell as trainer of SC Tavriya Simferopol and then in 1999 he became head coach of the Siberian club, Spartak-Chukotka, when that club relocated to Moscow in order to cut expenditure. He was eventually appointed manager of Spartak-Chukotka, but in 2000 they had to withdraw from the Russian First Division due to a financial crisis.

From 2003 Anatoly held the key position of manager and general director of the Moscow regional club, FC Reutov, who played in the Russian Second Division. However, he left in August 2006 to become the Heart of Midlothian sport director. He is now in charge of all first team matters and is assisted by Stephen Frail.