CRUMBLING - TYNECASTLE IN TURMOIL

HEARTS chief executive Phil Andertonwas sensationally sacked yesterday following a blazing row with Lithuanian owner Vladimir Romanov on Saturday at Easter Road Tynecastle was rocked to the core during yet another day of turmoil nine days after manager George Burley was axed - with chairman George Foulkes resigning in protest at Romanov's decision to remove Andertonand install hisownson Roman at the helm.

Record Sport can reveal the row erupted between Anderton and Romanov within minutes of Hearts losing their unbeaten league record at the home of their greatest rivals.

The heated exchange - at which an interpreter was used to convey both men's messages - was overheard by Hibs officials and it appears the row was based on Anderton insisting he had to be allowed to conduct the club's business affairs.

Clearly Romanov had a problem with that and yesterday afternoon he axed the highly-rated chief executive, who had been actively pursuing the recruitment of a new manager in the wake of the shock dismissal of Burley.

It is understood that following the resignation of lifelong fan Foulkes, he was offered a non-executive director's position but refused to accept that role and has left the club.

Incredibly Romanov last night insisted Anderton and Foulkes hadn't come up to scratch - and that's why they are no longer at Tynecastle.

He said: "They've had over one year and not been able to do the things I've wanted to do for Hearts.

"They've had the funds and all my energy but I've not had the response I've wanted."

Romanov reiterated his intention to turn the club into a force in European football. He said: "I've no intention of walking away from Hearts at this time.'

A full directive to the Stock Exchange is expected to be made by Hearts tomorrow but last night they issued a short statement confirming Anderton has "ceased to be a director and chief executive".

It added that former Labour MP Foulkes, now Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, has resigned as chairman and that the role had been taken over by Roman Romanov, who has assumed the title of chief executive "on a temporary basis ... pending a further appointment."

Romanov last night refused to comment on the sacking of Anderton, who will have his six-figure contract paid in full by the club.

But the tycoon insisted his 30-year-old son Roman is the right man to take Hearts forward.

He said: "Temporarily another member of the board will be put in charge. At the moment,I don't think there will be anybody better in protecting the interests of the club than Roman. Later we will see what happens."

Roman has been running the Romanov business operation in the former Yugoslavia.

He was in Edinburgh at the weekend as Hearts' officials discussed the "amazing"list of candidates to replace Burley.

Romanov last night flew to London where he said he will now take the leading role in selecting the names who will take charge of the team. He said: "It's going to be a busy few days. I've got meetings with more candidates."

A source close to the tycoon said last night that Romanov - now the club's controlling shareholder - is determined to run the club in his own way.

The source said: "He is investing heavily and knows that the fans will judge him on what happens.

"He wants to make sure he can do things in his own way. If he can do that, he is confident of building Hearts into a major force in European football."

Anderton was appointed in March to take over from Chris Robinson.

The former Scottish Rugby Union chief exec vowed to have fans flocking back to Gorgie and was instrumental in appointing Burley.

At the time, he said: "Myself and Mr Romanov are like-minded in that we recognise the real potential at Hearts. I am similar to Mr Romanov in that I'm ambitious with a 'can do' mentality. If everyone works together instead of fighting each other then there is every chance.

"I want to ensure we are dynamic and challenging the status quo.With a lot of hard work and maybe a bit of good fortune, I am confident we can do that.

"I will be judged by my performances.If I do a good job things will continue, if I do a bad job the board will say: 'Thank you very much, Phil

Taken from the Daily Record