Foulkes urges fans to question Romanov

FORMER Hearts chairman George Foulkes has urged the club's supporters to confront Vladimir Romanov over the latest allegations of team meddling.

The retired MP has also warned fans not to succumb to 'blind loyalty', with sections of fans steadfastly refusing to criticise the majority shareholder.

Former player Lee Johnson, who recently moved to Bristol City, lifted the lid on the goings on behind the scenes at Tynecastle. He claims head coach Valdas Ivanauskas merely acts as Romanov's puppet and that the majority shareholder intervenes in team selection.

There appears to be infighting between the fans over the level of Ivanauskas' autonomy, and Foulkes has urged the main supporters groups to question Romanov over the latest controversy at Tynecastle. Foulkes explained: "I agree with Romanov on a number of issues, but I disagree with the style of management at the club. Backing the club does not mean blind loyalty if there are genuine causes for concern.

"There are a number of genuine fans, like myself, that want Hearts to do well, but they are reluctant to accept any criticism.

"If there are genuine cases for concern, people who have concerns should raise them without being open to attack.

"People should be able to discuss them openly without being criticised."

Sections of supporters have been accused of turning a blind eye to some of the more controversial decisions Romanov has made after he saved Tynecastle from the bulldozers two years ago.

However, Foulkes is adamant that the Lithuanian banker should not be immune to criticism from the supporters just because of the money he has invested.

He added: "I think we can be loyal to the club and want it to succeed.

"But, because he has put money into the club, it does not give him the right to do everything he wants without consulting people.

"The remaining shareholders and supporters groups have a responsibility to ensure that the traditions of the club are maintained."

Taken from the Scotsman