Since the beginning of August 2011, Hearts' playing squad has been under the direction of the 43-year old Portuguese coach, Paulo Sérgio, for whom working in Great Britain has always been an ambition. He is highly regarded in his native country and his move to Scotland is seen as a step on the way to achieving his coaching potential.

Born on 19 February 1968 in the historic town of Estremoz in east-central Portugal, Paulo's whole life has revolved around football, his interest in the game starting as a schoolboy player with SC Sanjoanense. The powerful six-foot striker then enjoyed a long professional career, beginning in 1986-87 with CD dos Olivais e Moscavide in the Portuguese Regional Leagues.

The following season, Paulo joined the second-level club, UD Vilafranquense and then he stepped up to the Primeira Divisão side, CF Os Belenenses of Lisbon, from 1988-89 until 1992-93. The hard-hitting attacker played in the UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners Cup, and helped Belenenses back to the top division after their surprise relegation. During his time in the capital, Paulo developed an interest in coaching and started the necessary courses, as well as attending the Technical University where he studied sports science.

After leaving Lisbon, Paulo remained at the top level with FC Paços de Ferreira, SC Salgueiros and Vitória FC (Setubal). Then in 1997-98, he dropped down to the Segunda Divisão de Honra (the second division) and played for CD Feirense, and also CD Santa Clara in Segunda Divisão B (the third division). The following season the experienced striker went abroad for the first time, playing in the French third level with Grenoble Foot 38.

In 1999-2000, Paulo was back in Segunda Divisão B with GD Estoril Praia and finally SC Olhanense, where he retired in 2003 at the age of 35, and obtained his first coaching position. Olhanense was Champions in 2003-04 and became established in the Liga de Honra. Paulo moved on, but remained at the second-level when he went to CD Santa Clara in 2006-07 and SC Beira-Mar the following season. The aspiring coach then had his first period in the Primeira Divisão, joining FC Paços de Ferreira in 2008-09. He led this modest club to a mid-table finish and to also reach the Portuguese Cup Final in May 2009 where they unfortunately lost to Porto.

In October 2009, Paulo joined a higher-profile club, Vitória SC de Guimarães and then in July 2010, he was recruited by the famous Sporting Clube de Portugal. This was during a period of unrest at the club and as Sporting was off the pace at the turn of the year, Paulo Sérgio was a victim of boardroom changes and left in February 2011. However, supported by his loyal assistants, Sérgio Cruz and Alberto Cabral, Paulo is determined to take the Heart of Midlothian forward and place his own career back on track.