ROMANOV SPARKS HEARTS REVOLT

HEARTS' title bid was thrown into chaos last night when Vladimir Romanov demanded to pick the team.

Head coach Graham Rix was left stunned when Romanov ordered five changes be made to the side that defeated Aberdeen 3-0 in the Scottish Cup, including the axe for Scotland defender Andy Webster.

Webster has now called off new contract negotiations in disgust, while the future of Rix at Tynecastle is also in doubt.

He is now a lame duck coach after calling his squad together at Riccarton yesterday morning and telling them he was powerless over team selection.

Speculation is mounting that last night's SPL crunch at Dundee United could be his last for the club as he is ready to quit in anger at having his authority undermined.

Hearts players are also threatening revolt and have called a meeting for this morning to discuss the latest turmoil to engulf the club.

The crisis was prompted by discussions between Rix and Romanov on Monday night.

Romanov expressed his misgiving at the team's performance at Tynecastle, despite the fact they marched into the quarter-final courtesy of three first-half goals.

He demanded changes be made and outlined the players he wanted to see re-introduced or rested.

Webster's place was taken by Scotland Under-21 defender Christophe Berra while Robbie Neilson was ditched in favour of new Slovak signing Martin Petras.

There were recalls for Takis Fyssas and Rudi Skacel, who were said to have reported with flu symptoms on Saturday morning and missed the Dons game, while Paul Hartley returned from suspension.

Rix gathered his coaching staff and players into the indoor facility at Riccarton yesterday morning and broke the news of the team selection for that night.

Significantly, Lithuanian coach Valdas Ivanauskas, reckoned by many to be Romanov's eyes and ears at the club, was not present.

Rix told his players he was helpless over the team selection issue and that any complaints should be forwarded to Romanov.

Understandably, Webster was raging more than most, especially as he has been a model of consistency.

Agent Charlie Duddy said: "We had been in talks with the club that began back in January about a new contract for Andy.

"I've since informed Hearts that we will be formally terminating those talks with immediate affect.

"We will not be resuming any negotiations at any time in the future.

"Andy still has 17 months of his contract to run and he is happy to see that out at Tynecastle."

Romanov has courted controversy since taking over as the club's majority shareholder 13 months ago and was heavily criticised for parting company with former boss George Burley in October after 10 league games without defeat.

Burley had long held fears about Romanov's interference in team affairs but he diplomatically refused to comment on the latest controversy when contacted last night.

Chief executive Phil Anderton was also sacked earlier this season and chairman George Foulkes resigned in protest but the club had entered a period of calm under Rix after initial condemnation of his appointment following his jail terms for having sex with an underage girl.

However, their hopes of a league and cup Double have been placed in jeopardy after the latest bout of internal warfare.

Taken from the Daily Record