Valdas: We are better off without Andy

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS today told Andy Webster that Hearts are better off without him.

The Scotland internationalist has declared his intention to walk free from Tynecastle as of July 1, by invoking a FIFA rule which allows players under the age of 28 to hand in their notice when they are three years into a four-year contract.

That move will prevent Webster from moving to Rangers, who have previously been credited with an interest in the player, as FIFA article 17 prevents anyone who frees themselves from a contract under such circumstances from moving to another club in the same country.

Ivanauskas recently declared his wish for Webster to resolve his dispute with the club in time for the new season beginning, but with the player determined to become a free agent and refusing to sign a £12,000-a-week new contract, the Lithuanian believes he is better off elsewhere.

"Andy was a very important player for Hearts but it's his choice," said Ivanauskas. "If a player is not 100 per cent committed to Hearts then it is best for them to change clubs," said Ivanauskas. "We need players who are ready to play for us and if Andy is thinking of other things then it is up to him."

Hearts can expect around £200,000 in compensation for Webster under FIFA regulations relating to his present salary.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to be short of suitors, most notably in England where Everton, Fulham and Southampton are all monitoring his situation and would not be discouraged by the compensation fee.

Webster's relationship with Hearts broke down back in February when he was dropped for an SPL match with Dundee United at Tannadice after failing to agree to a new contract. He was, however, expected to report for the start of pre-season training with the rest of his team-mates at Riccarton today. Meanwhile, Hearts chairman Roman Romanov has slammed comments alleged to have been made by the agent of Rudi Skacel, regarding the player's future at Tynecastle.

In response to the suggestion that the midfielder will be leaving the club at the end of this month, Roman stated: "We do not understand such statements because Rudi has a three year agreement with Hearts.

Statements such as these are premature."

Taken from the Scotsman