VALDAS IN SHOWDOWN TALKS

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS was clinging to his job last night after being summoned for showdown talks with Vladimir Romanov. The Hearts manager did not take training at Riccarton yesterday morning and first team matters have been passed to consultants Eduard Malofeev, with Anatoli Korobochka assisting.

The Lithuanian coach was nowhere to be seen at the club yesterday, 12 months to the day after George Burley was sacked by owner Romanov. It's understood Ivanauskas will have talks on his future with Romanov today - and could be axed after a disappointing start to the season.

Ivanauskas stormed out of Tynecastle after Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Kilmarnock with the club claiming he was so angry at his team's performance he was off to watch video analysis.

Instead, it's believed he was summoned for talks with senior figures to discuss Hearts'poor recent form.

Romanov is ready to dispense with his third boss in a year after the team slipped eight points behind SPL leaders Celtic following the Killie defeat.

Ivanauskas, 40, must put up a good case for keeping the post he was officially handed less then four months ago or he will follow John Robertson, Burley and Graham Rix out of the Riccarton revolving door. In the meantime, it's understood the first team will continue to be put through their paces by former Dinamo Minsk coach Malofeev and ex-CSKA Moscow man Korobochka.

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Last night Ivanauskas was tight-lipped. He said: "I'm not giving any comments today. Perhaps we can speak tomorrow."

Ivanauskas has come under fire for a rotation policy that has seen 59 changes made to his side this term.

Mixu Paatelainen, who dramatically resigned as manager of Cowdenbeath on Saturday, will reveal his new employers tomorrow.

The ex-Dundee United, Aberdeen and Hibs striker said: "Nothing will be said before Tuesday. That is the wish of the club and I respect that. I've been offered and accepted a great chance to manage at a higher level."

Taken from the Daily Record