Vlad's failed Burley U-turn

Mark Bonthrone

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov offered former boss George Burley his job back just days after sacking him, it emerged today.

Reports that the former Ipswich and Derby County manager was asked to return to Tynecastle are sure to stun Hearts supporters, who have watched a turbulent few weeks unfold at the club.

Burley was sacked from his position on October 22, just hours before the Jambos were due to host Dunfermline in a crucial SPL clash, despite leading them to the top of the table.

At the time "irreconcilable differences" were cited for the move which shocked Scottish football.

One source close to the club told the Evening News the u-turn may have come about to try to avoid paying a substantial severance package to Burley, estimated to be around £350,000.

On October 31 Chief Executive Phil Anderton was also sacked by the club while Chairman George Foulkes resigned in protest at the decision.

However, it is understood that, just days later, alarmed by the criticism following Anderton and Foulke's departure and the club's first SPL defeat of the season against Hibs, Romanov asked Burley to return - an offer he declined.

It was then that the Capital club turned to former Chelsea coach Rix, who was confirmed as head coach earlier this month. The latest twist in the Gorgie tale will further call into question Romanov's claims that he has a long-term plan for the club.

A source close to the club revealed: "I don't know why he [Vladimir Romanov] did it, as it is a very erratic thing to do.

"It may have been a ploy to reduce his financial obligations or undermine George Burley's claim for unfair dismissal but it is an extraordinary situation."

Neither Burley nor Hearts were available for comment when the Evening News tried to contact them.

Meanwhile, Rix is set to get the services of a minder when he travels to Pittodrie for his first match in charge this weekend.

Dons bosses have taken the unprecedented step to increase scurity arrangements because they are concerned the abuse Rix could suffer from the home support may overstep the mark.

The steward will stand bodyguard over Rix's dugout during the clash, at which fans' behaviour will be closely monitored.

Banners targeting the former Chelsea youth team coach are set to be seized by stewards who have been warned to be extra vigilant.

Even the songs played over the PA system will be closely monitored for possibly offensive lyrics.

Rix, unveiled as the Jambos' new coach on November 8, is expected to get a hard time at the team's first away match, due to his criminal record.

The former Arsenal player was sentenced to 12 months' jail in 1999 for unlawful sex with a 15-year-old girl and indecent assault.

He is still on the sex offenders' register.

John Morgan, head of security at Pittodrie, said they were taking all necessary precautions to make sure the match ran smoothly.

He said: "We want to make sure there's nothing which would constitute a breach of the peace so we'll be listening to all chants to make sure they don't go beyond what's accepted as banter."

Taken from the Scotsman