FLAIR COLLECTOR

TENNENT'S SCOTTISH CUP Jambos new boys give Pressley bus headache
By Gary Ralston

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov brought in a new coach during the transfer window - now skipper Steven Pressley is searching for a double-decker bus.

The Jambos underlined their ambitions for the remainder of the season and beyond when they signed 11 new players last month and former Dundee boss Jim Duffy.

Pressley reckons the feelgood factor is running through the club as he bids to lay his hands on silverware after eight barren years at Tynecastle.

He also believes Romanov's investment will be welcomed by most of Scottish football as Rangers and Celtic finally sense a challenge to their duopoly.

But the Scotland star has only one problem with the influx of new men - organising team nights out have become a nightmare.

He said: "I might try to organise something in the next couple of weeks to welcome the new lads.

I'm going to have to hire the whole of the Bar Roma restaurant in Edinburgh and I reckon I might need a double-decker bus to take all the players.

"My biggest concern is that I'm responsible for allocating the complimentary tickets and now I've got 35 guys to look after.

"But the new arrivals have shown the intent of this football club.

"I was surprised at the numbers-I expected a few new faces but not an entire team.

"Mr Romanov has answered a lot of questions, not from within the club, but from other areas about the extent of his ambitions. He has been true to his word on everything he has said.

"It's refreshing for the Scottish game that another club has emerged to attract quality players. I hope the arrival of so many players does not have an unsettling effect."

Pressley was speaking as former Hearts and Hibs physios Alan Rae and Malcolm Colquhoun joined forces to launch their clinic, The Treatment Room, in Edinburgh's Stockbridge district.

The 32-year-old made his breakthrough as a pro as part of a successful Rangers team during the nine-in-a-row era but since leaving Ibrox eight years ago silverware has been non-existent.

He hopes to make amends at Hearts - maybe even this season - with the club still in pursuit of the SPL title and Scottish Cup.

Pressley said: "The arrival of the new players is a big step towards the target of winning trophies.

"I have not yet had the opportunity, not even to play in a cup final. That's disappointing and I want to put it to bed - hopefully this season."

Pressley has urged fans to look beyond this season, with many of Romanov's latest captures signed for up to three years. It suggests an owner who is less interested in quick fixes as sustained growth.

Pressley added: "We're looking longer term, particularly to Europe.We enjoyed a good run in the UEFA Cup last season but found our squad was limited in numbers and our domestic form suffered as a result.

"The arrival of the new players gives us the opportunity to rotate our squad during a busy schedule."

Pressley is set to return for tomorrow's cup tie with Aberdeen after a two-match suspension.

He said: "I'm putting my ban down to old age as there have been too many mistimed tackles.

"In saying that, I've noticed my colleague in the centre of defence, Mr Andy Webster, has yet to be booked this season.

"Maybe I'm doing the dirty work for both of us!"

Taken from the Daily Record