Hearts owner Romanov hits back at Mackay

Published on Wednesday 29 September 2010 07:48

VLADIMIR ROMANOV today responded angrily to Gary Mackay's criticism of his stewardship of Hearts but claimed he would relinquish ownership of the club if he finds someone able to defeat Scottish football's "mafia".

The Russian businessman was irked by Mackay's column in Monday's Evening News, in which the former captain suggested it was time for Romanov to quit Tynecastle. Mackay said the majority shareholder had dragged the club into a mess by refusing to play certain players, not allowing manager Jim Jefferies enough authority and failing to replace Campbell Ogilvie as managing director.

Romanov retorted quickly at Mackay, who now works as a FIFA licensed agent.

"I agree with Mr Mackay that a new owner is needed to rescue the club from the people like him – from those who live all their lives at the expense of football and spread demagogy (to stir up public opinion]," he said. "I am tired of fighting the mafia and will be pleased to step down for someone who has the strength and hope to defeat it more than I do. Let the Great Saviour (Mackay] answer a question: has he ever bought a ticket for the game with his own money?

"I can understand his outrage. Currently he does not have a chance to steal players from Hearts or shove his players to the club. Perhaps due to the fact that we have assembled a good management team – as parasites living at the expense of the clubs begin to smell.

"A defeat at the time the club has brought together good players, has a solid pyramid of more than 60 footballers, and suddenly loses four goals, then two from weaker teams – it is a reason to start thinking that perhaps there may be a betrayal here."

Today Hearts announced Ogilvie's replacement in the managing director's chair. David Southern, previously director of marketing and communications at Tynecastle, takes up the position and will now handle the day-to-day management of club affairs.

Meanwhile, Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas played for the club yesterday for the first time since his contract dispute began. He was involved in a closed-doors match against St Johnstone, which Hearts won 2-0 by dint of two goals from striker Gary Glen.

Zaliukas' loan from FBK Kaunas expires in December and his excessive wage demands to sign a permanent contract had angered the Tynecastle hierarchy. However, his appearance yesterday hints that they may be willing to offer an olive branch to the Lithuanian internationalist.

Andy Driver also featured looking to improve his fitness after a summer operation to cure a persistent thigh problem, however, he sustained another thigh injury which was to be assessed by the Hearts medical staff.