Hearts thank Robbie Neilson as he departs to take Dons job

Robbie Neilson is set be confirmed as MK Dons boss on Friday

The Edinburgh club agreed terms with Dons on Thursday night to allow Neilson and assistant Stevie Crawford to complete the move on Friday.

A statement released on the club's website read: "The club can confirm that we have agreed terms with Milton Keynes Dons FC in relation to Head Coach Robbie Neilson and Assistant Head Coach Stevie Crawford.

"Ann Budge, the Board of Directors and everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club would like to sincerely thank Robbie and Stevie for the enormous part they have played in helping to re-establish the club in the upper echelons of Scottish football.

"The record-breaking 2014-15 Championship-winning season, which secured our promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, will long live in the memory of Hearts supporters, as will the highly impressive third-place finish and the return to European football which was achieved the following season.

"They leave us in an enviable position, sitting second in the Premiership table with a healthy playing squad, rich with talent and promise. We wish them every success in their new challenge with Milton Keynes Dons FC.

"We will now begin the formal process of recruiting a new Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach.

"A further statement confirming interim arrangements for our game against Ross County on Saturday, will be released tomorrow morning."