Lithuanian Hearts chief Fedotovas handles club AGM with aplomb

That the meeting itself was a notably serene affair had much to do with the Lithuanian's increasingly hands-on role at Hearts.

The ramblings of Romanov Jnr, Roman, are a thing of the past for the chairman has been, metaphorically at least, unseated. The last 18 months have seen Fedotovas thrust into the foreground as the right-hand man to majority shareholder Vladimir. His official title remains "non-executive director", but his role is becoming all-encompassing.

By his side in the Gorgie Suite yesterday was another non-exec director in Julija Goncaruk, Vladimir's niece and Roman's cousin, plus Hearts' project manager for infrastructure and development, Vitalijus Vasiliauskas. Ogilvie, one of Europe's most respected footballing administrators, was also in attendance. But none carried the presence of Fedotovas, who answered the vast majority of questions from the floor during a meeting which lasted just under an hour.

Hearts supporters clearly identify with his reassuring tones, sound communication skills and efficient, business-like demeanour. He does not suffer fools gladly and, with Ogilvie defecting to Hampden Park at the end of next month, Fedotovas' guidance will become ever more invaluable.

He spoke on the prospect of a new signing arriving at Tynecastle within the next week, on how Hearts' 34.8million debt is being managed sensibly and on how the club will ensure it meets UEFA's forthcoming guidelines on clubs' income-to-expenditure ratio.

Away from Tynecastle he is engaged in transfer dealings, meeting players, agents, manager Jim Jefferies and reporting back to Romanov Snr in Lithuania. Clearly, it's a case of better Sergey than Roman.

"I think Sergey has the respect of the supporters. It feels like he is a safe pair of hands there," said Derek Watson, chairman of the Hearts Supporters' Trust. "He seems to have Mr Romanov's trust and I think Sergey is in there to be the safe pair of hands. He does communicate with supporters groups and is happy to talk at any time. I like him and he certainly has the respect of the fans who know him.

"Sergey took most of the questions yesterday. Vitalijus said they hope to announce basically a rejuvenated plan for the new main stand before the start of next season. That will certainly have revenue-raising possibilities like hospitality facilities.

"There weren't really any dissenting voices throughout the meeting. On the football side, Jim Jefferies wasn't there. Sergey took a couple of questions on the football side but he reiterated that the AGM is a business meeting. He did take a couple of questions on signings and things like that.

"The whole meeting was much as expected, to be honest. Apart from the accounts, the two things which stood out were that we seem reasonably close to signing our first player of the summer and we hope to announce plans in August for the redevelopment of the stand. It seemed to be very positive.

"From what I know it is Jefferies calling the shots on the players. I think we need to two or three players at least and it looks like they are at least making progress in that direction." Finances remain a concern due to the high levels of debt but, with Fedotovas also a board member of Hearts' parent company, Ukio Bankas Investment Group, club officials are confident that this can be managed and, in time, reduced.

"The aim is to break even in two years' time in line with these new UEFA rules," continued Watson. "There were questions on that, like when Hearts would reach the break even point and would that fit in with UEFA's thinking. Sergey said we are on schedule to do that in time for 2012. The only way it can be done is to cut the wage bill.

"I think folk are reasonably encouraged overall. Season ticket sales are going pretty well and, from the football perspective, getting Jim Jefferies in as manager has helped. He is a steady hand, a trusted hand, at the top. I would say things are looking reasonably positive rather than totally positive."