FYSSAS: I LOST 4 GAFFERS IN A SEASON

TAKIS FYSSAS knows what will keep Hearts' minds on the job during the Tynecastle turmoil - after seeing FOUR bosses sacked in a single season.

And despite yesterday's derby defeat, the worldly-wise Greek has warned his mates not to let sentiment get in the way of their title charge.

The 32-year-old was as heart-broken as everyone else to see George Burley ousted last weekend - despite the fact the manager wasn't responsible for signing him.

However, while stars like Paul Hartley and Rudi Skacel flashed t-shirt dedications to Burley, Fyssas insists they must focus on what's ahead of them, not behind them.

And after seeing Panathinaikos' president axe four bosses in a year in the fiery world of Greek football he's well placed to comment.

The Euro 2004 winner said: "I'm very experienced in this situation. I've seen a lot of things in my career.

"I've changed trainers many times but now I have to keep my mind on the club I belong to.

"Of course, I'm only human and when I think about what happened to the manager I feel sad. "But that doesn't change the fact that you must succeed on the pitch. That's what I focus on.

"I'm a footballer so it is not for me to discuss the decisions made by the president. This sort of thing has happened in Greece but I'm professional enough to do my job

Shocked "I changed coaches four times in a year so you never know what's round the corner in football."

Fyssas was shocked last Saturday as news was broken to the squad that Burley had left the building. And despite admitting to being a Vladimir Romanov signing and NOT Burley's choice, he had nothing but praise for the former Ipswich and Derby gaffer.

Fyssas said: "I can say only good things about him. I came here by Romanov's choice and Burley accepted me into the team.

"I gave everything for him and he stood by me. But football is business and it can be like this. I have to keep playing for the club because Romanov brought me here.

"I have a good relationship with all the people here and find it hard to understand what happened. I came for Romanov but Burley accepted me. Now I have to work for a new coach.

"I will give everything he asks of me and for now I will work hard for John McGlynn."

And Fyssas revealed that Hearts' Lithuanian supremo is a regular in the dressing room before games. He said: "Romanov is close to the players and speaks to us.

"Last Saturday he came in to announce we didn't have George any more but even before that he would speak to us before some games.

"He chatted to us last week and told us that we must keep going and be professional."

Taken from the Sunday Mail