Fedotovas defends Romanov junior

DARREN JOHNSTONE

HEARTS director Sergejus Fedotovas has defended the appointment of Roman Romanov as the club's chairman and interim chief executive, claiming his colleague has vast business experience.

The 30-year-old was handed the dual role on Monday evening when chief executive Phil Anderton was sacked and chairman George Foulkes resigned in protest.

Foulkes immediately branded the appointment of the youthful-looking Romanov as an embarrassment, fuelling supporters' grievances over the changes at the club.

Hearts fans enjoyed a good rapport with both Anderton and Foulkes, but Fedotovas, Romanov senior's right-hand man, insists supporters and the wider footballing community should not underestimate the man who has replaced them.

He said: "Roman is a very young professional man, he has vast experience in some very tough areas of business.

"He attended a very good business school and he has very good management skills. I have known him since we attended school together and I know he is very strong and capable of performing this role.

"You have to remember that he has only been appointed CEO on a temporary basis and we are looking for someone to come in permanently."

Asked if Romanov junior would retain the role as chairman on a permanent basis, Fedotovas replied: "That is a decision for the board to make, we are looking to bring stability to the club in the boardroom."

Meanwhile, it has emerged Romanov senior could be forced to pay out around £600,000 in severance fees following the sacking of manager George Burley and Anderton.

Burley signed a two-year deal which is understood to be worth £300,000 a year but was sacked on 22 October after serving just four months at Tynecastle.

Anderton can expect to be given a pay-off in the region of £120,000.

Taken from the Scotsman