Romanov rant spoils the party

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov, a man disposed to make a drama out of a crisis, did not disappoint yesterday, taking centre stage at the celebrations in Edinburgh and using his platform to describe Andy Webster and Rudi Skacel as "parasites".

Scotland defender Webster was dropped from the squad for Saturday's Tennent's Scottish Cup final victory over Gretna for refusing to extend a contract which is due to expire next summer, and goalscorer Skacel insisted afterwards that he had made his final appearance for the club.

Romanov has an old-fashioned attitude towards dissidents, and he made it clear that he was not prepared to appease his stars. "I must make sure there are no parasites inside the club," he said. "What are parasites? They have two legs, two arms, an empty head and just reflexes. They know only one word: money."

He accused Webster of feigning injury and, while he claimed he is prepared to sell Skacel, he added the caveat that he must first approve of the Czech's new employers.

Webster was absent from yesterday's victory parade, and Romanov said: "You should ask him why that is. Agents make decisions for players as to when they should play and not play. Webster didn't play against Rangers in our last game. Some little injury kept him out for two weeks. My medical staff gave a different opinion on Webster's fitness.

"If Skacel wants to go, and he finds a good club, then we will make that opportunity for him. But if he's being twisted out by his agent to some mediocre team, we will not let that happen."

Romanov is fond of utilising Russian parables to deflect awkward questions. When asked whether the coach, Valdas Ivanauskas, would be in charge, he was inscrutable. "Hope always dies last," Romanov replied. "Time will show."

He was less discreet when it came to his perceived enemies; the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Premier League, the Old Firm, Webster, Skacel, Graham Rix, Uncle George Burley and all.

"The team was built to win the championship, but we didn't expect to be hit from the back by different people and organisations or to be hit below the belt," he said. "In my worst nightmares, I did not see the season like this."

Taken from telegraph.co.uk