TYNECASTLE IN TURMOIL... AGAIN
By Ian Orr

ALLAN PRESTON reckons Vladimir Romanov is ready to go continental - because no British boss could work with the Hearts chief. The former Tynecastle midfielder who had a brief spell as Livingston manager is convinced there will be no shortage of candidates for the Gorgie hotseat.

But after watching the ruthless Lithuanian axe Graham Rix and Jim Duffy hard on the heels of George Burley and John Robertson, Preston doesn't expect to see another Brit installed. Last night he said: "It's a fantastic job but maybe it's time for Romanov to adopt the system that exists at big clubs on the continent.

"British managers simply won't put up with the way he wants to operate but if you look around Europe club presidents trade players and tell coaches to get on with it.

"That's what happens at Real Madrid and AC Milan and maybe that's what we'll see now at Hearts. The Galacticos will break up because the president who took them to Madrid is out.

"But guys brought up here won't go for it. You can't keep hiring and firing managers at the rate we see at Tynecastle. It makes me look like a veteran with my six months at Livi.

"So I'll be surprised if Romanov looks close to home for his next appointment. Only a continental coach would put up with the level of input he demands.

"Robbo wasn't going to go for it, George Burley was the same and now quality coaches such as Graham and Duff are away and leaving with dignity. They were a good combination and no one knows more about Scottish football than Duff.

"Hearts are a soap opera and Steven Pressley will play a huge role in holding it all together.

"But I'll bet they're chuckling at Rangers. The fans are backing Romanov because his money has brought in top players. That's what's kept them onside.

"At the start of the season they'd have bitten your hand off to be second in the league and facing Hibs in a cup semi. But if it goes pear-shaped we'll see how they react."

Taken from the Daily Record