Romanov: Laszlo to blame for lack of Hearts signings

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov today blamed manager Csaba Laszlo for the club's failure to sign more than one new striker this summer.

Hungarian Laszlo has vented his frustration this week at the club's refusal to bolster his forward line before the transfer window closes.

But majority shareholder Romanov has accused his manager of failing to identify a suitable target, insisting he would buy two strikers if Laszlo had requested players good enough for the first team.

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"It's not the funds which are the problem," said Lithuania-based Romanov.

"If the Hearts management team suggested not one but two really good forwards, capable to add strength to our attack, I would buy both immediately.

"But none of about 10 candidates we considered was suitable for Hearts."

Romanov's comments are likely to place further strain on what appeared last season to be a good working relationship with Laszlo.

The Jambos boss raised further doubts about his future at the club after last night's Europa League play-off round second-leg win over Dinamo Zagreb, pointing out Hannover were interested in making him their new manager.

However, Romanov did indicate he was prepared to give Laszlo the time he craves to nurture Hearts' young players and was not demanding instant success.

He said: "It's very important not to keep the young talents in the reserves for too long.

"I say to Laszlo that the chase for immediate results with the emphasis on experienced footballers is no good.

"We should introduce the youths into the main team on a permanent basis. If we don't do that, the club's prospects in the table will not be so bright."

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