Precious few ripples expected at Hearts agm

WHEN Roman Romanov and Sergejus Fedotovas face re-election as Heart of Midlothian directors this morning, they will undergo none of the anxiety felt in recent weeks by prospective members of Parliament. The country may now be ruled by a coalition, but at Tynecastle one party continues to enjoy an overwhelming majority.

Given the size of the stake held by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, his son and Fedotovas will face at most token opposition at Hearts' 104th annual general meeting. As was the case last year, this morning's meeting at the ground is expected to be uncontentious and relatively brief.

Following a gratuitously combative performance at the AGM two years ago, Romanov junior did not return last year. He is expected to be absent again today, as is his father. Fedotovas will chair the meeting, which will also be attended by Hearts' other directors, Julija Goncaruk and Vitalijus Vasiliauskas. Four resolutions will be voted on in addition to the two to re-appoint Fedotovas and Romanov. The accounts for the year to 31 July 2009 have to be adopted, Johnston Carmichael will be re-appointed as auditors to the company, and two technical resolutions on pre-emption rights and the allotment of shares will also be proposed.

Questions from the floor will be invited as usual after the conclusion of ordinary business, but the club is continuing with its policy of not putting up anyone from its football division to answer them. Under previous ownership the manager would field questions at the AGM, but Jim Jefferies is on holiday and has not been asked to attend.

The return of Jefferies in January in place of Csaba Laszlo was greeted as a positive move by the Hearts support, and the ensuing modest improvement in on-field performances has further enhanced a positive relationship between the owners and the fan base. The club's massive debt remains a concern to many, but the latest published results showed a decrease in the scale of losses, and the wage bill has since continued to be cut – factors which also suggest there will be little dissent expressed today.

The meeting will be the last attended by managing director Campbell Ogilvie, who leaves Tynecastle at the end of next month to pursue his interests at the Scottish Football Association. Ogilvie is being retained as a consultant for a year thereafter, and it is increasingly likely that, rather than appoint a replacement, Hearts will share his responsibilities out among their existing staff.