GORDON FEELS FOR FANS

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon has sympathised with the fans in the wake of George Burley's departure from the club.

The Scotland international was left stunned by the news of the ex-Tynecastle boss leaving before the Bank of Scotland Premier League club before the win over Dunfermline on Saturday.

Burley is believed to have been involved in a row with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov on Friday evening as their relationship disintegrated over team selection.

The club cited a confidentiality clause in negotiations over Burley's departure, which was caused by "irreconcilable differences".

But, after surviving the sale of Tynecastle under previous chief executive Chris Robinson less than a year ago, Gordon admits the players were as stunned as the fans by the news.

He told the club's website, www.heartsfc.co.uk: "It's unbelievable what Hearts fans have been put through recently and it took another dramatic twist before we all met up for our pre-match meal on Saturday morning.

"We knew about a meeting taking place that morning, which was intended to be about bonuses, but, as the time ticked on, it was clear that this was no ordinary meeting.

"Soon after Mr Romanov came in to break the news, flanked by his son Roman, who was translating.

"The news they brought was not good and it totally deflated the team.

"I'm sure, like myself, many people will be devastated by this news, as they could see how well the team was playing for the manager."

Gordon laughed: "We should be asking MTV to start a reality TV show about life at Tynie this season as I'm sure the ratings would exceed the Osbournes, Newly Weds and Totally Scott-Lee put together, although we were wondering if we were starring in the next episode of Punk'd."

But the 22-year-old insists it was a "pleasure" to play for Burley, who had taken the team to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Gordon said: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best for the future and I'm sure where ever he ends up he will be very successful. It was a pleasure to play for him.

"We must now move on - we owe it to ourselves, the fans and the departed management team.

"We are still top of the league and have a lot to be positive about.

"The team spirit which has taken us this far will remain and I'm sure the mental strength we have as a team will get us through this."

Taken from sportinglife.com