STABILITY, THE LITHUANIAN WAY

Ed Hodge reports on the relief in Gorgie as Vladimir Romanov’s man Valdas Ivanauskas is confirmed as Hearts coach on a permanent basis

After a summer of rumour and counter-rumour, Hearts have opted for the status-quo.

While a host of high-profile candidates – from Claudio Ranieri to Alexi Mikhailichenko – were linked with the managerial post, it is Valdas Ivanauskas who has taken permanent charge. After taking interim control in March from the axed Graham Rix, the Lithuanian steered Hearts to Scottish Cup glory – their first trophy in eight years – and to second place in the SPL to book a debut Champions League berth.

Key first-team players – from skipper Steven Pressley to the inspirational Paul Hartley – and the majority of fans called for Ivanauskas to be given the job on account of those achievements. Finally, despite Vladimir Romanov fuelling speculation over a big-name appointment, they have their wish.

Pressley is simply glad the ruthless Romanov – who also ousted George Burley, Phil Anderton and George Foulkes last term – finally listened to calls for stability at Tynecastle.

He said: “I spoke to Mr Romanov at the end of last season and expressed our desire that Valdas remains in charge. Thankfully he has listened to what we had to say and has made what I believe is the correct appointment for the stability of the club in the long run.

“I think that with every good manager there is a line you cannot cross and with Valdas that appears to be the case. He has got a good presence, experience and knowledge and I think he is 100 per cent the correct appointment.”

With John McGlynn also retaining his role as assistant coach, the Eastern European link at Tynecastle has been strengthened with the arrival of 64-year-old Eduard Malofeev, the former Sovient Union and Belarus coach, as director of football.

Ahead of a vital Champions League second round qualifier against Bosnian outfit Siroki Brijeg or Shakhtyor from Belarus later this month, Malofeev could be a useful ally. Pressley added: “Either tie will represent very difficult games from past experience. We played a Bosnian side, Zeljeznicar, in the Uefa Cup (season 2003/04) and it was a real test for us. Although we won 2-0 overall, in the game over there we were very fortunate to come away with a 0-0 draw. But Europe holds no fears for us. We do believe it’s going to be a very difficult game, but we believe we’ll win it.

“It was also important Valdas’ role was confirmed prior to the build-up to this all-important Champions League tie. “We can now fully concentrate on the next two or three weeks and get ourselves right for it.”

Europe’s elite competition represents a new challenge for much of the Hearts squad, but Pressley is wary that domestic issues are not ignored – especially with the Old Firm strengthening.

He said: “We’ve got to try and top last season. But I think it’s going to be a bigger test for us. We’re seen as a big scalp and I think Rangers and Celtic may be stronger this season, so we have to show our mettle.

“I don’t think it’s a three-horse title race, far from it. The exciting thing for Scottish football at the moment is the emergence of a number of teams.

“I think Tony Mowbray has done a fantastic job at our neighbours, Aberdeen finished the season very strongly and you’ve got Craig Brewster rebuilding at Dundee United.”

Taken from the Sunday Herald