I'M THE BOSS NOT VLAD

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS was yesterday officially installed as Hearts manager and insisted there would no interference in team affairs by club owner Vladimir Romanov.

Ivanauskas claimed he was in sole control and that he would decide which players would come and go.

He also thanked Romanov for having the faith in him to handle such a responsible role.

Yet ominously for the Lithuanian, his unveiling was staged in a temporary press room at Tynecastle.

Thunderstorms above the stadium had threatened to submerge the usual venue and a makeshift base was sought.

Romanov's office was chosen and it was difficult not to suggest that Ivanauskas' reign would be as semipermanent as the facility where he announced he would be in complete charge of the playing side of Hearts.

He is adamant he won't be washed away during the coming season even though John Robertson, George Burley and Graham Rix had all been sunk before him by Romanov.

Ivanauskas merely shrugged his shoulders when asked about the duration of his contract and said: "We'll find out in the future. I have signed a contract and the last details were discussed yesterday.

"There is not much time as we have to go to our training camp in Austria but we will continue talks when I return.

"Something was signed and I have communication with Mr Romanov about several things.

"Bringing players in will be important and I have three positions to fill. Hopefully in the next few weeks there will be new faces here."

Ivanauskas was put in temporary charge after Romanov booted Rix near the end of last season.

He kept the club in second place in the SPL to clinch a Champions League slot and also guided them to a Scottish Cup triumph.

Ivanauskas said: "After the Cup Final, I felt I could take up this position. There were situations during last season and it is obvious this season is going to be hard.

"But I am very comfortable that Mr Romanov has the trust in me to take up this position. I've been in discussions with him all through this and the fact he trusts me makes me feel very, very good.

"I have the position as head coach and there will be discussions about what new players we will bring in - but the last decision will always be mine.

"If a team wants to win things and be the best then it has to set the highest standards possible.

"Last season was an exceptional one for the club, the players and the fans and this season will be difficult to match but everyone is together to achieve things.

"It's not just Celtic and Rangers we have to match - other teams are strengthening, such as Dundee United and Aberdeen.

"For the Champions League we will travel to either Bosnia or Belarus and that is another target we must get by."

Former Hamburg player Ivanauskas says he has already put his own methods in place and that they will stand him in good stead for the challenges which lies ahead.

He said: "It was obvious to see the changes which were made in the last few games of last season.

"I don't know the opinions of everyone else but I strongly believe there were some superb moments and a lot of good things.

"The question as to whether I could have achieved more had I been in charge for the whole campaign is only speculation. Every season has highs and downs and it's up to the manager to lift things when they are down and build momentum for as long as possible."

The question remains about whether Romanov will once again attempt to interfere with team selection but Ivanauskas was a pains to point out he doesn't believe that to be the case with him.

The axe was never been far away from any of the men handed the responsibility of leading a club with expectations which may never be realised but that's for another day as far as Ivanauskas is concerned.

He said: "Last season, before the match in Inverness, there was a problem and I was very nervous. But now I know what the targets and standards are and I am comfortable about that.

"It's very good that there is stability now but everyone knows that a manager is dependent on results."

Hearts have also appointed former Belarus boss Eduaro Malosee as sporting director.

Ivanauskas welcomed the new man's arrival and reckoned he will be a huge benefit to the club.

He said: "He is a man with great experience and it's a very good thing to happen at the club. He will deal with player transfers and various things.

"There needs to be good communication between us. I don't need advice. I have several people I get that from and the more of it the better.

"But I select what information is best as that's what a manager does. Vlad has shown the trust he has in me, and that's positive as he trusts me to pick the players.

"It's certain to be a very interesting season but it's not going to be easy.

"Hopefully at the end of the season I will be able to do the same as the previous one and say thank you to the media as we can all work well together."

'I know the targets and I'm comfortable with them'

Taken from the Daily Record