Fans urged not to sell shares to Lithuanian

RICHARD MOORE

HEARTS shareholders were urged last night not to sell their shares in the club to Vladimir Romanov, and to resist immediate moves by the Lithuanian businessman to achieve his aim of owning 75 per cent of the shareholding.

Former Hearts player Gary Mackay, an outspoken critic of former chief executive Chris Robinson, said: "All shareholders should be cautious, but the major shareholders especially. People like Leslie Deans and Robert McGrail are knowledgeable people and I'm sure they will take a step back to see what's going on before selling their shares to Mr Romanov."

Deans has demanded an urgent meeting with Romanov to clarify the Lithuanian's intentions for Hearts. Previously, the former chairman had championed Romanov's involvement, but his tone cooled yesterday. He can expect to be the subject of a charm offensive from Romanov, who needs Deans on board if he is to reach the critical 75 per cent mark.

Mackay said last night: "We've been told lies before, about Tynecastle not being fit for purpose. I just hope the statement of commitment today by Roman Romanov is bullet proof; I hope that we're not being fed more lies."

Mackay's call to supporters to hold on to their shares was backed by Martin Laidlaw of the Heart of Midlothian Supporters' Trust. "Until we know clearly what the short, medium and long-term future for Hearts is, I would advise people to keep their shares," said Laidlaw. "Romanov might have incredible plans and vision, but the only people who can make it a success are the customers.

"The disappointment is that the structures we had in place were working. We had regular meetings with Phil Anderton and George Foulkes and they appeared to be listening. Now there is no one on the board with a real Hearts connection."

Taken from the Scotsman