Robbo a face in the crowd and cheering

PAUL KIDDIE

DUMPED by major shareholder Vladimir Romanov after just six months as Hearts manager, John Robertson could have been forgiven for feeling just a touch of envy as he watched the rejuvenated Jambos march to the top of the SPL table with their emphatic derby triumph over Hibs.

The strike legend parted company with the club he served with such distinction as a player in May after failing to convince the Baltic millionaire that he was the right man to front his Gorgie revolution.

Given the fact it was just nine league games ago that Robertson was in the home dug-out enduring the roller-coaster of emotions of an Edinburgh derby, it must have been something of a surreal experience for him to be back at Tynecastle on Sunday watching many of his former charges romp to a stunning 4-0 victory. It was back on April 13 that Tony Mowbray's side dealt a fatal blow to Hearts' UEFA Cup aspirations with a 2-1 victory, a result which no doubt had Robbo resigned to the fate awaiting him.

Having watched George Burley's side brush aside their city rivals in style, Robertson is convinced his successor will re-establish the Jambos as Scotland's third force - if not better.

In his role as a TV pundit for Sunday's Capital showdown, the former boss saw Burley's Hearts for the first time and it didn't take him long to join the growing band of admirers of the Scot and the progress he has made in such a short space of time in the Gorgie hot seat.

"I was very impressed with Hearts on Sunday," he said. "Judging by that display they have to be favourites for third place and on the basis of the opening two games I think they are capable of finishing at least third.

"It is maybe a little bit early to split the Old Firm. But who knows what could happen if George can keep adding quality to the squad? There is no doubt they can get closer to Celtic and Rangers.

"They finished 41 points behind them last season and the first target has to be cut that gap down.

"Doing so well so early is like a double-edged sword. George will want to keep expectations at a sensible level but one thing's for sure Hearts will win more games than they'll lose this season."

If he does feel a bit miffed at not being given the kind of money with which Burley is currently eyeing the Continental market place - he was forever complaining about being kept in the dark about his budget at Tynecastle - Robertson disguises it well.

Rather than dwell on what might have been, the Gorgie legend is quick to praise Burley for his astute transfer dealings which have seen a string of quality foreigners set up camp on these shores. "These are fantastic times for the fans," he said.

"Vladimir Romanov [pictred below] has kept the club at Tynecastle, the pitch has been sorted for Europe now and the place was looking great at the weekend.

"Mr Romanov said he would spend lots of money to bring in players and he has been true to his word. And the great thing for the club is that George Burley has done it wisely.

"He deserves all the credit for bringing in such quality. It can sometimes take new signings a while to gel but having been at the derby I'm very optimistic for Hearts. That was my first look at the team this season and I was suitably impressed.

"Rudi Skacel looks an excellent player while Roman Bednar was terrific as well. Julien Brellier showed his experience in the middle of the park and Saulius (Mikoliunas) fitted in well.

"If you think that Edgaras Jankauskas wasn't even playing then there is a lot to look forward to for the supporters. They should be full of optimism as the team has started superbly. There is a real feeling of optimism at Tynecastle at the moment. And why not?

"There was no sense of 'I wished it was me' in the dug-out at the weekend. What happened with me and Hearts is in the past. The club has moved on.

"Vladimir Romanov said he would bring in an experienced manager and he has done just that with George. Hopefully he continues to get the backing which he has enjoyed so far."

Robbo's Tynecastle tenure was sprinkled with successes, most notably the UEFA Cup glory night in Basel and a famous victory over Celtic in April. His attacking style mirrored his playing days and it was a rollercoaster ride.

During his spell in charge he relied heavily on the Scottish contingent of players and he insists it's vital Burley finds a place for them during his rebuilding plans.

"It's pleasing that money has been spent on top players but let's not forget that there is still a strong Scottish backbone to the team in Craig Gordon, Robbie Neilson, Jamie McAllister, Andy Webster and Steven Pressley," he said. "Paul Hartley seems to be getting better and better while Calum Elliot showed his promise on Sunday."

The Jambos bandwagon rolls into Dundee this weekend and Sunday's clash with Dundee United. The visitors will be odds-on to continue their impressive opening to the season against Gordon Chisholm's Tangerines but Robertson wonders if they would not rather be testing themselves against a member of the Old Firm at this early stage of proceedings.

The acid test of Burley's high-flying Jambos will come when they entertain champions Rangers next month before heading to Parkhead soon after but Robbo reckons now may have been the ideal time to take on the Glasgow giants.

"They are well capable of winning at Tannadice on Sunday which would keep their good start up," he said. "But the strange thing for me is I wonder if they would rather be playing one of the Glasgow sides. Celtic don't have a settled side now while Rangers have been involved in Europe this week so it may just have been the ideal time to play them."

Now probably more comfortable out of the media glare as he attempts to revive Ross County's fortunes in Dingwall, Robertson's ill-fated brush with management in Gorgie has done little to dilute his faith in his own coaching ability. And he gives the impression he still harbours the hope that one day his managerial road will lead back into Gorgie. "I don't have any regrets. I was given the chance to manage a club I had played 18 years for. I had my time at Tynecastle and maybe it was the right place but the wrong time for me," he said. "The decision was made by the owners of the club. It was a football decision and nothing personal. It was their prerogative. They have moved the club on for what they think is the better and I'm just putting all my energies into Ross County now.

"Who knows what may happen in the future, though. For now my focus is Ross County. I still have the belief that I will be a top-quality coach and if an opportunity came along in the SPL or England I am sure I would be ready."

Taken from the Scotsman