Romanov in fresh Rix attack

Majority shareholder tears into former manager again

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has launched another scathing attack on Graham Rix, claiming his driver could have done a better job than his former head coach. He also hit out at Jim Duffy, who acted as director of football during Rix's reign, and denied suggestions that he had picked teams for his managers.

The controversial Lithuanian businessman, who is currently searching for Hearts fifth manager in less than two years, has been accused of interfering in team selections. Despite this, Hearts have finished second in the SPL this season and qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

Romanov told the Herald: "I've given my coaches full control of the team, full rights, and then the games have been lost. The only question I'm asking of my coaches all the time is: 'Show me the analysis. Show me the rationale.' But never once have I received an answer to those questions. It seemed to me that my driver back in Kaunas could have done a better job than Rix and Duffy."

Romanov also claimed that Charlie Duddy, the agent of Hearts defender Andy Webster, could cost him a new deal at Tynecastle. Webster was 'rested' for several games last month when negotiations over a contract extension broke down. He has since picked up an Achilles injury in training. Romanov said of the centre back's future: "In terms of my regard for Andy Webster, I think he and Steven Pressley are the best defensive pairing in Scotland. Andy is a fine player but there is just one problem: his agent. I don't think we will be extending Webster's contract while he is being represented by this person."

He added: "Andy wants to play for Hearts but he is also being influenced by his agent. There are manipulations, machinations and tricks that are being played. He [Duddy] is playing cheap tricks. Andy has a year left on his contract. If he wants to go on the transfer list then that is what we will do. My philosophy is, as soon as a player says he wants to move on, then I try to accede to his wishes."

Taken from the Guardian/Observer