Deans set to demand a showdown with Romanov

PAUL KIDDIE

FORMER Hearts chairman Leslie Deans is to demand a showdown meeting with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov after the axing of chief executive Phil Anderton and chairman George Foulkes.

Deans was left shellshocked by yesterday's dramatic events and will contact the Lithuanian today in a bid to find out just what is going on at Tynecastle.

Having recently purchased the shareholding of Halifax Bank of Scotland and Scottish Media Group, Romanov now owns 55.5 per cent of the club and has targeted at least 75 per cent to allow him to delist Hearts from the Stock Exchange.

His ultimate goal is to secure 90 per cent of the shareholding, entitling him to bid for the entire stock.

The share offer is due to be sent out to shareholders on Thursday but Deans and his associate Robert McGrail still retain 18 per cent and they are reluctant to sell out to Romanov in the wake of yesterday's stunning developments.

"I heard the news with disbelief," said Deans. "It is very important for me to find out all the facts and I want to do that as soon as possible," he added.

His stance is sure to be mirrored by other shareholders now deeply suspicious of Romanov's motives.

Another former chairman, Wallace Mercer, was also left incredulous at hearing the news.

He said: "I am absolutely bemused. To lose a manager ten days ago is one thing. For the chief executive to then be sacked is quite another. For the chairman to then walk out as he didn't feel comfortable about the situation is devastating. George Foulkes had the support of the shareholders and fans and did a magnificent job. The fans must be astounded and there must be some fundamental reasons why he has done this."

Taken from the Scotsman