EDINBURGH airport, Friday lunchtime, and the media scrum has descended on the arrivals hall to await the return of the Hearts squad from pre-season training in the south of France.

As the cameras surround one player in particular, an Asian gentleman approaches and asks who is the celebrity being interviewed. "Elvis Pressley," comes the truthful reply.

The would-be star spotter laughs incredulously, but whips out his mobile phone and takes a picture of "Elvis" anyway. Well, you never know when the King might return...

A few minutes later and Steven Pressley, the always affable captain of Hearts, is showing reporters the price of remaining a rock of stability in the midst of the maelstrom which Tynecastle became in the wake of Vladimir Romanov's takeover of the club.

The Lithuanian millionaire's autocratic style of ownership has brought success to Hearts in the shape of a Scottish Cup victory and qualification for the Champions League, but there has been a price to pay among those who have steadied the ship while Romanov caused tsunami after tsunami in the small pool that is Scottish football. In Pressley's case, the effects can be seen on his 32-year-old face.

"Look at me, I've now got a grey beard," he said, gesturing to silvery streaks in his facial fuzz. But Pressley has impressed fans and pundits alike with his dignity and intelligence in the last 18 months, and he actually feels all the hassle has done him good.

"It's been very demanding and I have learned a lot during that period," said Pressley. "As a player and as a captain, I have tried to improve and that has been demanding also, but it's part and parcel of the job."

Another Tynecastle denizen who has had to cope with the Romanov revolution is director of operations Campbell Ogilvie, who has been pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome in Edinburgh for a former Rangers executive and SFA vice-president.

"I thought being a Weegie, a bluenose and an SFA blazer might make things difficult," said Ogilvie, "but Hearts' supporters' groups have made me very welcome."

In return, Ogilvie has developed a fan's feeling for the men in maroon: "I grew up a Rangers supporter, and as my dad was a doctor at the club for 40 years, I had been about the place since 1962.

"I've always maintained that you can support a club and switch to another club. In all honesty I didn't see myself leaving Rangers, but it transpired that I did leave and I was grateful to get a chance to work at a club like Hearts. Working for a club, you get to know the players and the supporters. I wouldn't have thought it was possible for me to do it, but I'm right into it now. Hearts still retain a family feeling and, yes, I feel comfortable here. But if you had asked me two years ago, I'd have thought I'd see out my days at Rangers.

"My first away game was at Ibrox, and it was a strange experience going through the doors with a different tie. But, having walked through the doors with a Hearts tie on I wanted Hearts to beat Rangers."

Ogilvie has been keen to meet the various supporters' groups, and has not been scared to tell them what he feels about the allegations of anti-Hearts bias within the SFA, a feeling which Vladimir Romanov's comments have actively encouraged. "I don't believe there is prejudice against Hearts at all," he said. "Supporters have a view and they say you always remember decisions against you. I've had a more balanced line because I used to appoint referees so I've seen life from the other side. I know they are not giving decisions deliberately against Hearts."

Part of Ogilvie's task has been to sit down with supporters' groups and try and explain club decisions. "You can spot an issue coming up in advance and try and address these before they do," said Ogilvie. "I like to think that the dialogue we have with them will try alleviate some of the concerns."

Both Ogilvie and Pressley know the forthcoming season is crucial if Hearts are to build on their success, and the club captain thinks it is not just a three-way battle for glory between Hearts, Celtic and Rangers.

"It's going to be a big test for us, as we are now seen as a big scalp," said Pressley. "Rangers and Celtic may be stronger this season so we will have to show our mettle - I believe we will.

"The great thing about Scottish football is the emergence of a number of teams. Tony Mowbray has done a fantastic job at Hibs, Aberdeen finished the season very strongly and Craig Brewster is rebuilding at Dundee United, so I think it will be a very exciting season ahead."

Taken from the Scotsman