VLAD BACKING EDINBURGH TATTOO

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov has written his name in the history books of the club this season.

But one superfan has taken things a stage further - and penned Romanov's name all over his back.

Jambo Stan Thomson, 45, from Danderhall, has spent the last eight months having the club crest tattooed on his body at a cost of over £1000.

He added the finishing touches this week with the name of the Lithuanian moneyman inked between his shoulders by the rtists at Pete's Tattoo Parlour in Dalkeith.

DJ Stan revealed he originally planned to hail his favourites as league champions across the top of the club crest but Celtic put paid to that.

However, wife Jeanette - a Celtic fan - convinced him Romanov deserved to be honoured for leading the club back to the big time.

Stan said:"After 10 weeks of the season I decided it was going to be Hearts'year and I asked the guys at Pete's to start work on the club crest.

"I left a space above the crest for 'Scottish SPL Champions 2005- 06,' but Celtic obviously put paid to that.

"But Jeanette then suggested I dedicate the space to Mr Romanov instead which I thought was a great idea.

"He's done everything he said he would do for Hearts and after 40 years following the club he's given me the best season of my life.

"I watched the club make the Champions League qualifiers last week and it was even better than winning the Scottish Cup Final in 1998 - especially knowing we still have the game against Gretna to play this weekend."

Stan owns a season ticket with daughters Linzi, 13, and Megan, 10. They'll be at Hampden this weekend with their mum, dad, sister Charley, 7, and brother Robbie, 5, to cheer on their favourites.

Stan is planning to show off his work of art if Hearts win in the sun against the Second Division champions.

He added: "I don't think we'll have it easy against Gretna. However, if we're up for the game, the way we were against Celtic a couple of weeks ago, we're capable of winning by two or three goals."

Stan refuses to contemplate Romanov walking out of the club any time soon.

He added: "You never quite know with Mr Romanov but I believe he's as excited as the fans about the way things are going and I don't thing he'll be leaving the club in the short term.

"Anyway, if he does go there is still space on my back under his name for Pete to tattoo: 'Thanks for the memories'."

Taken from the Daily Record