ANDERTON CALLS FOR FANS' UNDERSTANDING

Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton has called for supporters to respect the "confidentiality" surrounding the departure of manager George Burley.

The ex-Scotland international left Tynecastle before the 2-0 win over Dunfermline in the Bank of Scotland Premier League on Saturday.

It is understood Burley was involved in a row with Romanov on Friday evening.

Burley had become increasingly frustrated by the interference from Romanov, who, it is claimed, signed midfielder Samuel Almeida Camazzola without the ex-Derby and Ipswich boss having seen the player.

After the Lithuanian businessman increased his stake in the club to 55% on Friday, the two men are understood to have clashed, leading to the departure of Burley.

The SPL leaders cited "irreconcilable differences" for the exit of Burley, who had guided the team to a 10-match unbeaten run in the league.

But the Tynecastle chief executive insists the club will not break the confidentiality clause in the agreement with Burley.

Anderton told the club's official website, www.heartsfc.co.uk: "I am acutely aware of the sense of shock that emanated around Tynecastle at the announcement made regarding the club parting company with George Burley.

"I also appreciate the desire of some fans to know exact details of why George left the club.

"However, I would ask the fans to respect that George Burley has a right to confidentiality in this matter and we fully intend to honour that agreement.

"The mutual agreement between George and the club allows both parties to move on and that is now the most important thing for Hearts."

But the former Scottish Rugby Union chief executive insists moves to find a new manager began after the news of Burley's exit broke on Saturday.

Anderton added: "I can confirm that, since Saturday afternoon, I have concentrated my efforts on targeting a top-class manager for the club.

"I have already received a number of enquiries from interested parties but we will not rush into a quick appointment."

He added: "I fully intend to use all the resources at my disposal to ensure that we assess every potential candidate in order to appoint the right person for the job.

"There is no doubt that the new manager will be joining a club that is in much better condition on and off the field than it was a few months ago.

"We are sitting top of the SPL with a team of excellent players and off the field we have a well-structured club which is being backed by, I believe, the best fans in the country.

"I can assure fans that our vision remains the same - the SPL title and European success.

"It is this goal that drives everyone at the club and our new manager will be the catalyst to take us to that."

Former Hearts chairman Leslie Deans has backed Romanov in the wake of Burley's departure from the club.

Deans, who shares an 18% stake in the club with businessman Robert McGrail, insists the decision by Romanov of who to appoint as the next manager will be critical.

Sir Bobby Robson has hinted at an interest in taking up the post vacated by Burley, but ex-FBK Kaunas coach Valda Ivanauskas and former Parma boss, Nevio Scala, will be rated as favourites.

The ex-Hearts chief said: "I was astonished, like everyone else at the ground on Saturday.

"We had the announcement of Vladimir Romanov taking a 55% share of the club on Friday, which was followed by a bolt from the blue with the news on George Burley.

"Of course the next managerial appointment is highly crucial. There is no getting away from that.

"The club are at the top of the SPL after a fantastic start to the season and are selling out Tynecastle week after week.

"It was an almost surreal atmosphere against Dunfermline on Saturday but there is a massive determination by Mr Romanov to drive Hearts forward.

"If you look at the way we were under the previous regime and chief executive Chris Robinson, we would be facing an altogether different scenario.

"The credit for that is down to one man - Vladimir Romanov."

Now Deans has called for unity among the Hearts community to ensure the club does not surrender its lead at the top of the SPL table.

He added: "I have had dealings with Vladimir Romanov when he purchased 1.5 million shares from me a year ago.

"And, if I had to sum him up, he was hard but fair.

"But I would also say he is very clearly a winner and there are clubs across the country who would give their eye-teeth for someone like Romanov.

"Everybody at Tynecastle must now rally behind the club and support Vladimir Romanov, the team and the interim management team.

"There are plenty of people who would take great pleasure in seeing Hearts collapse.

"So it is important all Hearts people stick together with maximum backing for the team, because the Hearts revolution is not stopping here."

The Hearts Shareholders Association will be meeting on Thursday evening to discuss the departure of Burley.

Association chairman Ray French said: "I was very surprised.

"But I cannot say any more at this stage. The Shareholders Association has a meeting on Thursday evening at which this will be discussed."

Taken from sportinglife.com