Romanov attacks Old Firm's 'fight for survival'

VLADIMIR ROMANOV today insisted that Scotland's league reconstruction plans must ensure the development of young players is a number one priority for the sake of the game's future.

Hearts' majority shareholder spoke out to advise the country's footballing governors to look at the wider picture rather than simply seek short-term commercial revenue. He wants youth teams to thrive and is keen for reserve football to return to the fixture calendar.He also made a point of criticising the Old Firm, claiming they do not focus enough effort on producing youngsters.

"Regarding league reconstruction, I understand and fully support the aim to improve the structure of the league," Romanov told his club's website. "However this should be done not to please the Old Firm that rely on foreign players and have no big interest to develop and educate local players.

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"Scottish football should not only think how much money we're getting for the media rights today but also what the game will look like tomorrow. Therefore my main target behind league reconstruction is the improvement and development of the youth teams and a competitive reserve league. A reserves league is very important for football development and there was a crime made against Scottish football when this league was abolished.

"UBIG has made a significant investment into the club. And it is not just investment into the club, but also to the economy of Edinburgh and Scottish football overall. It is not impossible to enhance and build national football on foreign investment. Local authorities get a decent income from Hearts. We have paid around 30 million of taxes, and do not forget other companies who work with Hearts or businesses in the area that exist because the club is there. Local authorities should provide a proper infrastructure for development opportunities and favourable climate for new investments. Otherwise, the investment in Scottish football will decrease.

"If the authorities cannot provide good starting conditions and do not interfere into 'state within a state' affairs, any business approach will not be able to improve the league in the long run. When there is a wrongdoing committed in Scotland nobody should close their eyes and hide their heads in the sand.

"I believe that the country where football was born will produce a force, which will save it. Once again, congratulations with the end of the season and will see you in European competition."

Additionally, Romanov was reported elsewhere as saying: "Football continues with the same problems. The Old Firm is still fighting for survival, using various undignified methods, working more behind the scenes rather than on the pitch. As a result the level of football suffers. Football still cannot escape from the hands of the football mafia.

"The conflict with the referees was inevitable. The referees could not be held hostages of artificial scenarios where they are accused of being endlessly guilty and naturally they have rebelled. I truly respect their courage, but this struggle must be continuous and open in the name of football - the national value of Scotland.

"We have to understand that the beauty of football depends not only on the coaches or players art, but also on the skill of the referees and their professional dedication. But if they were to be guided by the hands of dishonest football dealers, it would not be football, but a business based on deception.

"I would like to believe that Scotland will become both an example and a leader of the world's football culture. Believe me, this can be achieved if we don't keep silent and openly hate and rebel against the lovers of dishonest victories, who have been cheating for 40 years already.

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"Existing governance in football is outdated and needs to be reformed. If recent reports are true then waiting for the change from football governing bodies is the same as to call to the conscience of infamous 'Lucky' Luciano."SPARE PAGE