Vladimir Romanov brands Gary Mackay a 'demagogue' after agent's call for him to quit Hearts

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov has hit back at claims by former club captain Gary Mackay - now an agent - that the Lithuanian businessman should relinquish his ownership and make way for a new regime at Tynecastle.

In this column this week in the Edinburgh Evening News, Mackay said that although he had supported Romanov's arrival at Tynecastle, he was frustrated at the final say on football matters not resting with the manager, and stated it was time for change at the top. "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 club from this mess," wrote Mackay.

Within 24 hours, Romanov hit back with a stinging reply.

"I agree with Mr Mackay that a new owner is needed to rescue the club from the people like him - from those who live all their lives at the expense of football and spread demagogy," said Romanov. "I am tired of fighting the mafia and will be pleased to step down for someone who has the strength and hope to defeat it more than I do. Let the Great Saviour answer a question: has he ever bought a ticket for the game with his own money?

"I can understand his outrage. Currently he does not have a chance to steal players from Hearts or shove his players to the club. Perhaps due to the fact that we have assembled a good management team - as parasites living at the expense of the clubs begin to smell.

"A defeat at the time the club has brought together good players, has a solid pyramid of more than 60 footballers, and suddenly loses four goals, then two from weaker teams - it is a reason to start thinking that perhaps there may be a betrayal here."

Mackay declined to comment when contacted by The Scotsman last night.

Meanwhile, Hearts defender Marius Zaliukas played in a bounce match against St Johnstone at Riccarton yesterday. The Lithuanian, who is on loan from Kaunas until the end of the year, has been in a contract dispute with the Tynecastle club since the start of the season. Earlier this month it appeared that his wage demands had ended his chance of a new contract with Hearts, but his appearance in yesterday's match suggests that there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

Andrew Driver also played in the bounce match, as the winger seeks match practice. Driver has not played for Hearts since April because of injury, but his comeback yesterday was marred by a thigh injury. Hearts won the match 2-0, with both goals coming from striker Gary Glen.