ON the same morning that a Glasgow-based radio station was announcing Graham Rix would leave Hearts "within two hours", club owner Vladimir Romanov was initiating plans in full support of his head coach by appointing Jim Duffy as director of football.

Clearly, Rix's peg is showing no signs of shoogling for the moment, for Duffy's promotion to seniority over the Englishman just two weeks after arriving to assist him in a wide-ranging coaching capacity is evidence only that the Romanovs wish to mend any broken bridges.

A week ago today news of dressing-room unrest emerged as a consequence of Romanov's interference in team selection, with suggestions that Rix's position was becoming untenable and that his days at Hearts were numbered.

Contrast that with now after Duffy's elevation yesterday to a senior management position, an appointment that strengthens Rix's hand all the more.

Only until the summer, mind, as both head coach and director of football will have their positions reviewed upon the season's end. But as far as the here and now is concerned, Duffy's role as a buffer between Romanov and Rix is considered vital in the dressing room.

"This appointment will bring us the stability we need," said captain Steven Pressley. "I think it's very important that your director of football has a good relationship with your manager. Graham and Jim clearly have that and that is a real positive aspect for us.

"This management structure has been tried at various other clubs and a problem has often developed between the director of football and the manager. But because Graham and Jim's relationship is a very positive one it can only enhance our situation.

"It's a very shrewd move. Jim has a wealth of football knowledge and it will allow our gaffer to concentrate on what he does best, which is coaching players without distractions.

"Jim will liaise with Mr Romanov on any problems."

There are few others in the Scottish game who possess the relevant experience to do so. Duffy operated under the often-absent owner Ron Dixon whilst manager at Dundee, then encountered a director with a penchant for recruiting players in Giovanni di Stefano before creditably steering the club through a near-impossible administration period.

He also worked with Milan Mandaric in his time at Portsmouth, and has had his man-management skills tested by the likes of Fabrizio Ravanelli, the legendary Italian striker.

The likelihood of Duffy being the well-documented "incognito" director of football that Roman Romanov has spoken of is slim given the short-term nature of his position.

His prospective promotion was not discussed during Saturday's meeting between the Romanovs and senior Hearts players, but the advice he has imparted on the training field during his two weeks in Hearts' employ has already enchanted those in his command.

"He's only been there a short period of time but he is a man I've always respected. He has a great way with people and he's a very honest man," enthused Pressley, pictured below. "I've had a few discussions with him and he's got good ideas on the way a club should be structured. Mr Romanov has obviously seen that too and Jim has made a big impact on him."

Brave would be the player who now tries to rib Duffy about his previous connection to city rivals Hibernian after the affirmation of his Hearts role, but apparently that has never been on the agenda.

"We haven't even discussed it and that's the honest truth," said Pressley.

"He's purely a football man, Jim, and he loves the game.

"His focus will be on making sure we move forward in the right way."

Some supporters have already voiced concerns at Duffy's new title after expecting a more glamorous appointment to fill the director of football vacancy.

Rix, upon his appointment as Hearts head coach in November, conceded that attempting to bring his close friend, with whom he previously worked at Dundee, Chelsea and Portsmouth, had crossed his mind, however at that point he opted against recruiting a former Hibernian manager.

"I'd have liked to have brought Jim here," said Rix at the time.

"I have got to do what is right for Hearts and our supporters and I don't think that would have been the right thing to do."

Now, Hearts have become rather more susceptible to the idea, which when closely examined reveals a number of positives through to the summer.

Rix gets some well-earned relief after the manic periods of January player recruitment and the recent turmoil behind the scenes.

Duffy can utilise his skills in another high-ranking position, and Romanov finally has someone to liaise between boardroom and dressing room.

Overall, Jim Duffy could have a fair bit to offer Hearts in the short term, and his presence certainly reinforces the club's confidence in Graham Rix.

Taken from the Scotsman