GET REAL ROMANOV

HEARTS coach Valdas Ivanauskas last night appealed to Vladimir Romanov to show a sense of realism when it comes to his ambitions for the coming season.

The Tynecastle club's owner has charged his Lithuanian compatriot I with the unenviable task of breaking I the Old Firm's 21-year stranglehold on I the SPL title and delivering success in the Champions League.

And the man who guided Hearts to I their Scottish Cup triumph and into 1 the Champions League qualifying rounds revealed that he will seek another showdown with Romanov in order to temper his ambitions for the season.

Ivanauskas said: "I hope Mr Romanov is a realist as he knows other teams are bringing in new players - and I don't just mean Celtic and Rangers.

"Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hibs have all strengthened their squads so Hearts and Mr Romanov know we need new faces in the team.

"I know how hard this season is going to be but I trust this group of players as we are a good team.

"The season will be very hard but a very interesting one for the players, the club and the supporters of Hearts.

"I spoke to Mr Romanov last week and hope to have another meeting with him to outline our ambitions and plans for the season.

"But we all have to be realistic.

"It's important that Hearts get off to agreat start in the Champions League. That is crucial for the supporters who are eagerly awaiting these games.

"If we get a good start in the Champions League that can help us in the SPL championship. We were second last season and we will try to go one better and win the SPL this time.

"Last season might have been easier for us as we were a surprise package.

Most sides thought that they only had Celtic and Rangers to worry about but we earned their respect for what we achieved.

"You have to go a long way to win the SPL title. We will try to win it but teams now know what Hearts can do and what to expect. We were second last season and if you want to strive for more you have to improve.

"The Hearts players certainly understand what is at stake this season. They have returned a week earlier to training because they are playing in the Champions League.

"The players' fitness is much better than I'd have thought it would be at this time of the season.

"They have been working hard. They were given programmes when they left and they have returned from their summer holidays in good shape.

"We do not have much time before our first pre-season game. The players understand the situation and the fitness levels they have to reach before the start of the season."

Ivanauskas admits to feeling let down by Rudi Skacel and admits there is no possible way back for the Czech star or his fellow contract rebel Andy Webster.

Ivanauskas said: "Every manager would want these players in their team but I need players who are fully committed to Hearts and want to play for this club.

"If any player is thinking about a new contract or a new country then they are not for me as they cannot bring me 100 per cent dedication.

"Even if their mind is one per cent elsewhere then they cannot be solely focused on playing for Hearts.

"Rudi was perfect for Hearts for the most part of the season and Andy was a central player for us too. But I am not too disappointed as I fully expected this to happen.

"My feeling was not so good with Rudi but it was better with Andy.

"Rudi's agent also got involved and immediately after the cup final win at Hampden and during the Tynecastle celebrations on the Sunday Rudi was saying thank you and his goodbyes to the Hearts fans. That was not good.

"It was totally different with Andy as he is a young boy and a good guy. It might not be all that bad for him to move on.

"Maybe he does need a change. It could be good for him to go and play f ootb all in another country.

"It would have been better for me if he had stayed here but it is a big choice for Andy.

"For me the matter is now closed and it is time for Hearts to move on."

Neil McCann and Paul Hartley will definitely miss Hearts' first pre- season match against Lask Linz tonight while Julien Brellier and Roman Bednar are rated doubtful.

Taken from the Daily Record