Players’ position weakened considerably by decision to withdraw SPL letter

No official complaint over wages limits union’s options, writes Stuart Bathgate

After consultation with PFA Scotland, the Edinburgh club’s first-team squad had previously resolved to take their grievance about unpaid salaries beyond Tynecastle.

They had waited patiently for a fortnight before taking that decision, and had received nothing more than vague promises from club owner Vladimir Romanov that their money would be forthcoming shortly.

As of last night, they had still received nothing more definite from Romanov. They were again told yesterday they would get their money, but were not told exactly when. They discussed the matter with manager Paulo Sergio and were supposedly given assurances by director Sergejus Fedotovas, but is understood tno form of concession was offered by Romanov.

Even so, the players agreed to back down. A new complaint could still be drafted in the days and weeks to come if they are not paid but, for the time being, that appears no more than a theoretical possibility. They are in no mood for a fight. The reluctance to avoid conflict is understandable. The current generation of footballers have no tradition of industrial action and the Hearts players must be aware that Romanov rarely takes kindly to those who dare to challenge him.

But, while the desire for peace is a natural instinct and often a praiseworthy one, in this case it could well be misplaced.

With no indication that Romanov has become more conciliatory in his approach to the salary issue, the Hearts players have done nothing more than undermine their own position.

If peace is to arise, it will now be very much on the owner’s terms.

Without a complaint from any players, the course of action open to the PFA is very limited. All they can do now is monitor the situation and offer further advice to players. And even if, as Romanov has promised, the missing money is paid shortly, what is there now to prevent him from withholding the players’ salaries at some time in the future? This latest delay is merely the longest, and by no means the first to occur since he took over the club in 2005. The chances of a recurrence must be high.