Hearts legend Mackay calls on Romanov to change or step aside

Hearts legend Gary Mackay today called for majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov to change his management methods or relinquish his stewardship of the club to make way for a new regime.

In his exclusive Evening News column, Mackay stated that the time for change is now as Romanov is damaging Hearts' future. He criticised the Russian for freezing players out for not signing new contracts, refusing to let Jim Jefferies recruit the players he wants and failing to replace MD Campbell Ogilvie.

Mackay, insisting his comments are "not a knee-jerk reaction" to Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Motherwell, said: "When I got involved with the Save Our Hearts campaign my intention was to keep Hearts at Tynecastle and Mr Romanov played a huge part in that. But for me, things have gone too far.

"We need something to change or this ridiculous situation is going to continue for years. As much as I was part of getting Chris Robinson out and getting Romanov in, I have to hold my hands up and say enough is enough – it's time for change. I can only hope and pray that either someone can reason with our owner or a knight in shining armour can ride along and rescue our proud football club from this mess."

• Read the full column here