ROMANOV IS FOR BETTER NOT WORSE

BROOKS MILESON will hand Vladimir Romanov the keys to Gretna this week - hailing him as a hero for unlocking Hearts' potential as a major player in Scottish football.

The Jambos supremo will be given a guided tour of the town's world-famous marriage registrar offices, his counterpart's animal sanctuary and Raydale Park before high tea at Mileson's mansion.

And while the millionaire owners will be on opposite sides at Hampden as Gretna tackle Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final on May 13 Mileson has nothing but praise for Romanov.

The Lithuanian has been blasted for his hands-on approach, including picking the Jambos team and last week slapping Scotland star Andy Webster on the transfer list. But Mileson, who refuses to sit in the directors' box let alone meddle with coach Rowan Alexander's affairs, said: "We should be applauding Vladimir for what he has done for the game in Scotland, not vilifying him.

"Even though I don't know the man I feel as though I already have a tremendous relationship with him.

"He's coming to my home this week and wants to see everything in Gretna - including my animal sanctuary. He wants me to show him where people get married and the heart of the town.

"A lot of people are trying to make this Scottish Cup Final into Brooks versus Vladimir but I'm turning it on its head and showing we can get on.

"I have huge admiration for him because it looks as though he will split the Old Firm this season. He's going to make Hearts a major Scottish and European power and we should all be getting behind him for that.

"Mr Romanov is a one-man revolution who has major ambitions for Hearts. I want a professionally run, successful community club.

"We're self made and came from poor backgrounds. We love the game and neither agrees with the football authorities and how they run things.

"The first time I met him was at an awards dinner last year where we got team of the year and he came across and asked to speak to me.

"He was charming. It was brilliant that he took the time out for me and I am a great admirer of what he is doing. It should be an interesting meeting."

While Mileson is extending the hand of friendship to Romanov they could hardly be more different.

The Gretna owner was manning the phones at the Portakabin that's the club's main reception and dishing out Hampden tickets.

In a fleece top and stonewashed jeans the pony-tailed businessman joked with the office staff.

It's a scene that would be unimaginable in the Tynecastle reign of suavely dressed Romanov who looks every inch the wealthy entrepreneur.

But Mileson's openarmed approach to visitors has clearly been his winner on the way to a personal fortune of £75million.

And it's also the way he wants to fast track Gretna into the top flight of Scottish football.

He said: "I can do what I do down here because we are a small club. You could not do it at a big club like Hearts, Celtic or Rangers.

"Here we al l work together, we are one big family and it would be hard to bring my philosophy into one of the major clubs.

"But we can take my philosophy into Gretna and build on it.

"Mr Romanov and I want what is best for football and what is best for our clubs sowe have a lot in common.

"When people were suspicious about what we were doing here I said to them to come and see us.

"We don't have press days. We don't have appointments. If someone wants to talk to us then come along. You can talk to anyone here.

"I just can't thank our people who work behind the scenes enough.

"We have one thing in common. We love Gretna Football Club and all the credit on the field goes to Rowan Alexander who is the best manager in Scotland.

"He hasn't been given the credit he deserves. People think he has an open cheque book and that we have bought success which is bloody nonsense.

"Apart from Steve Tosh EVERY player who got us to the final didn't cost us. They were free transfers.

"Yes we are a full-time club so pay full-time wages. So do a lot of other teams."

Taken from the Sunday Mail