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VLADIMIR ROMANOV'S latest outburst had fans rushing for the phone yesterday.

The controversial Tynecastle owner claimed the Old Firm are living in the past and insisted Hearts will be strong contenders to lift the SPL title in the new season.

But Romanov's show of defiance served only to increase his unpopularity among supporters.

Joe McKeever, Glasgow, said: "I'm sick to the back teeth of Romanov. This rant is pure stupidity and he'd be better keeping his mouth firmly shout. They won't win the league because Celtic will retain the championship."

Jim Ellis, Armadale, said: "I predict that by September Hearts' aspirations will be sinking as fast as a rusty Russian submarine. Romanov has lost the plot and the whole place will crumble round about him if he's not careful."

Jim Davie, Stirling, said: "What Romanov says and what Hearts actually do are two different things. With him in charge there's always the chance of more turmoil."

Still on Hearts, Joe Walker, Parkhead, said: "I think Celtic should go for Paul Hartley if and when Stilian Petrov leaves. When Hearts get knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers Hartley will be desperate to join Gordon Strachan's team."

Ian Grant, Rosebank, Falkirk, said: "I think it's going to be an intriguing campaign. Hearts will be in the mix but come the end of the season I'm sure it will be Celtic and Rangers contesting the title.

"I would love to see Celtic making an impact in the Champions League but fear we don't have enough quality in our ranks."

Eddie McLaughlin, Nottingham, said: "I'm 64 this year and never been so disgusted with Celtic's signing policy. Is it true they're going to ask John Clark to put his boots back on?

"The fans are paying through the nose but the board have let them down badly."

Record Sport columnist Jim McLean came in for some stick for missing last weekend's Dundee derby.

Jim McKenzie, Ashgill, Lanarkshire, said: "I was a wee bit disappointed with McLean last week when he said he wouldn't be going to the Dundee derby at Dens Park.

"My grandson, Gary, was playing for Dundee and is from the same Lanarkshire village as him. I would have liked McLean to have seen a promising player play so well."

On to a different subject and the issue of screening live SPL games on a Friday night.

Alan Caird, Carnoustie, said: "If the police insist they don't want Friday night Setanta games then where does that leave Jack McConnell's Commonwealth Games bid? It's not looking too good at this stage."

The row over Rangers' cancelled pre-season friendly at Bolton rages on.

Jim Shearer, Wishaw, said: "I went down to a Fulham-Rangers friendly a couple of years ago and couldn't get a pint before the game.

"When I asked the police why they said it was because the Celtic fans had been down there and wrecked a pub. So much for the their supposed great behaviour."

Finally, John McFall, Lanarkshire, said' "I'm sick of the fans who follow the Old Firm and they way they behave at other grounds throughout the country. It's time to give decent supporters a break."

Real good quote of the day

'By September, Hearts' title hopes will be sinking as fast as a rusty Russian submarine. Romanov has lost the plot'

Taken from the Daily Record