Former boss urges Hearts fans to roar team to SPL glory

PAUL KIDDIE

FORMER boss John Robertson today issued a rallying call to Hearts fans, urging them to help pull the shell-shocked players through their period of turmoil.

It's been a traumatic few days for the league leaders since the shock exit of George Burley but strike legend Robbo insisted the Gorgie faithful have a huge role to play in the healing process as the Jambos try to recover from the loss of the man who had transformed them into genuine title contenders.

In a move which stunned British football, Vladimir Romanov showed Burley the door on Saturday just hours before the SPL visit of Dunfermline.

Robertson suffered a similar fate at the hands of the Lithuanian after just seven months in the Tynecastle hot seat last season but he was as bewildered as anyone at the dramatic chain of events at the weekend.

There are now question marks over Hearts' ability to ensure their championship challenge doesn't falter in the wake of all the upheaval and that is where Robbo believes the fans can play a vital role, starting with tonight's meeting with Kilmarnock.

"I am disappointed for the club and the fans that it worked out the way it did," he said.

"I am sure the players will get their heads down and get on with things as they are all good professionals. They have got a league to win and have to get on with it.

"There are two big games coming up against Kilmarnock and Hibs and it has to be hoped they are able to keep their good run going. It is going to be difficult to ignore what has happened given the effect which George Burley had at Tynecastle but John McGlynn will have them focused and ready for Killie."

With Tynecastle sold out for the sixth league fixture in a row this season, Robertson added: "This is an important time for the supporters and it is vital they get right behind the team.

"They have been terrific all season but it's at a time like this when they are more important than ever and have to remain right behind the players."

McGlynn is hoping his players will be able to feed off the atmosphere generated by another sell-out crowd this evening as Jim Jefferies brings his men into town.

He said: "It is not the players' fault that we find ourselves in this situation and we need every bit of backing we can get. Against Dunfermline the fans were a bit subdued and it was up to the players to give them something to shout about.

"It may be the case tonight that we'll need the supporters to get

Taken from the Scotsman