Frail: Vlad only sold Velicka because he wanted to leave

Viking made a £600,000 downpayment for the 28-year-old, with another £400,000 due after he plays 50 games. All proceeds will be collected by Romanov's Ukio Bankas Investment Group, which finances both Hearts and FBK Kaunas, the club from which Velicka was loaned.

Interim manager Stephen Frail revealed today that losing his top goalscorer came as little surprise because Velicka had made clear his intention to leave.

Although the transfer left supporters disillusioned and questioning Romanov's long-term ambitions for Hearts, Frail, who speaks with Romanov via a translator several times a week, remains convinced that the majority shareholder's focus isn't wavering.

"The player indicated he would like to go, and Mr Romanov has always said he wouldn't stand in anyone's way if it's right for both parties," said Hearts' interim manager.

"I can understand the fans being disgruntled at the top goalscorer leaving, but I'm certain that Mr Romanov is still 100 per cent committed to the club.

"It's a question you'd have to ask the owner in terms of him casting us adrift. I don't think he has. I'm in constant contact with him and I know how passionate he is about the football club, I know that for a fact."

Romanov came under increasing criticism in the wake of Wednesday night's 4-0 capitulation against Rangers. George Foulkes, the former Hearts chairman, stated it may be time for the Russian banker to sever his ties with Tynecastle for the good of the club. Frail stated that blame for the defeat should be attributed to those at the coal face rather than high-ranking officials.

"George mentioned his (Romanov's] passion. I can't talk for Mr Romanov but I know from speaking to him that he is. And he's not the one who picks the team, remember," added Frail.

"It was the team, the coaching staff and myself at the top of that who let everyone down and let ourselves down by not performing well enough on Wednesday.

"I've spoken on numerous occasions about what an inconsistent season we've had. It's been poor overall. Top six is where we want to be but I won't deem that a success. Nonetheless we have to get in there and then do the best we can. It's not a crisis.

"We had four out of five wins before the Rangers match. I would say there's been a slight over-reaction since Wednesday because we had been playing well and keeping clean sheets.

"These things happen at this football club and we have to make sure we're bigger than that and react in the proper manner.

"The words were honest rather than harsh after the Rangers game. It was a bad night, a bad night for everyone. But we've spoken about it and told the players what we expect of them. The Rangers game is done now."

Frail's short-term aim is to gu
ide Hearts into the SPL's top six before next month's league split. He still harbours fading hopes of securing a UEFA Cup berth but, failing that, is certain to opt for an Intertoto Cup application as a means of facilitating European football for next season.

"The top six is important psychologically and it gives you bigger games, with respect to the teams finishing in the bottom six," he said.

"We were second bottom of the league at one point this season. If we can go from that into the top six, maybe fifth or fourth, then we can say everything we've done since the managerial change has been worthwhile. That's why I say we have cup finals from now until the end of the season.

"Of course, I can understand the reactions and comments since Wednesday but that's not to say I agree. We have a group of players who have done well and I've stuck by them because they've done well."

Taken from the Scotsman