I DON'T FEAR AXE

GRAHAM RIXinsists he'll never walk away from Tynecastle because he has a job to finish with a squad packed full of the most supportive players in Scottish football.

The Jambos head coach is expected to hold summit talks with Vladimir Romanov over the weekend in a bid to draw a line under the row over team selection that has rocked the club.

However, Rix is not cowering at the prospect of the sack - though he admits it could happen - and is instead hopeful he and Romanov can work

together as Hearts face up to a vital three-month spell with the SPL title and Scottish Cup still up for grabs.

Rix arrived at Riccarton yesterday lunchtime with a sheet of A4 paper, on which were listed the names of 21 players in the squad to face Aberdeen this afternoon.

He wasn't exactly waving it in the air, Neville Chamberlain style, declaring peace in our time. But as he insisted he alone would be picking the team to face the Dons he stressed it was time to focus on the future.

Rix said: "What's happened has happened. My main focus now, as it's been since Tuesday night after Dundee United, is the game against Aberdeen.

"That's my squad I've listed and I fully expect to pick the team for a tough game.

"It has never even entered my head to walk away from this job and why should I?

"It's a great job, at a great club with a terrific bunch of players who are playing really well. I'd bemad to walk away from all that.

"I've had fantastic support from the players this week and they're my No.1 priority.

"They've had a few issues to contend with this season but their strength of spirit and togetherness shows you the kind of guys they are.

"They're in a great position, second in the league and in the last eight of the Cup, playing all their matches at Tynecastle in front of full houses.

"The players should be proud of what they've achieved so far and they can't let anything get in the way of getting what they deserve.

"I'll meet Mr Romanov soon and sort a few things out and he might decide to sack me. I won't be the first or last guy who that has happened to.

"I can't worry about things over which I have no control. Instead I need to focus on what I can help the club achieve this season."

Rix wants the final say on all team selection but will welcomes discussions with Romanov.

In principle, Rix sees Hearts mirroring Chelsea by fielding, when possible, a hard core of eight players week by week, with others slotted in and out.

Rix added: "Mr Romanov is a busy man and I can't pick up the telephone and speak to him because of the language barrier.

"My contact to him is through chairman Roman but he's a busy guy too and has been in Russia and all over Europe in the past week.

"However, I'm sure things will be thrashed out between us and the communication lines will improve.

"I don't want to make too big a thing about what's gone on because the main focus must be on Aberdeen.

"It's a big weekend. If we can take three points we'll put a bit of pressure on Celtic and Rangers when they play on Sunday."

Hearts players are set to sit down with Romanov after the game to voice their concerns about his interference in team selection but keeper Craig Gordon insists it's business as usual at Tynecastle.

He said: "The meeting won't affect us at all - we've got three points to win.

"Something always comes up now and again at Hearts and this is simply the next installment.

We're all well versed in episodes such as this, so we'll just concentrate on getting our heads down and winning a football match.

"If we win we'll pull closer to Celtic or further away from Rangers, so it's a big match."

Gordon insists the turmoil won't affect his decision when it comes to discussing a new contract in the summer.

He also reckons the club can persuade Andy Webster to return to the table and talk about a new deal.

Gordon said: "The situation last week hasn't changed my contract position at all.

"We've agreed to speak about a new deal nearer the summer and nothing has changed.

"There's also plenty time for Andy's position to change and I'm sure if the club make the effort it's still possible to turn things around.

Taken from the Daily Record