Anderton lands top tennis job
BILL LOTHIAN
FORMER Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton has landed a new high-profile sports job.

The 40-year-old marketeer, who first came to sporting prominence at the Scottish Rugby Union, where he rose from commercial boss to chief executive, is understood to be lined up for an international brand management role on international tennis's professional tour.

Anderton's appointment is due to be announced in Florida today.

Since being sacked by Hearts last October Anderton has kept mainly tight-lipped on future job plans although he recently admitted to "looking at something...with an American sports organisation."

Before arriving at Murrayfield Anderton, who has a degree in Management and International Relations from St Andrews University, had been recruited by Coca-Cola to work on sports accounts, including the Coca-Cola Cup and the Euro 96 football sponsorships.

Anderton spent two years at the company's head office in Atlanta as global brand manager where his sporting involvement included the rugby and football World Cups and the Winter Olympics.

The tennis post comes at a time when Anderton is still pursuing Hearts for compensation.

He is said to be seeking £112,000, or eight months' wages, after a fall-out with club owner Vladimir Romanov.

Attempts at a settlement are believed to have moved closer last month with Anderton signing a form of acceptance. However, it was reported that the club did not return that form, or any money.

The club were also said to be unsure about whether to proceed and unable to provide a timescale for closure.

Mr Anderton was unavailable for comment.

This article was posted on 21-Mar-2006, 12:22 by Hugh Barrow.