Don't jeer Hearts chief Vladimir Romanov, pleads Stevie Frail

Mar 29 2008 By Anthony Haggerty

STEVIE FRAIL hopes Hearts supporters don't torpedo his team with a volley of boos now old submariner Vladimir Romanov is back in town.

Last time the Jambos' owner surfaced in Gorgie - last November - they sank Aberdeen 4-1 with one of their best performances of the season.

But last weekend the cheers turned to jeers when their top-six hopes suffered a massive setback in the 0-0 draw with Falkirk.

Romanov met Frail and the players yesterday and the caretaker boss is praying the Lithuanian's presence lifts his side against Dundee United.

Frail said: "Hopefully there won't be any boos now that Mr Romanov is here. It's always nice to catch up with him. I know how committed he is to this club.

"The players want to prove they are as passionate as him and that's why we got that reaction against Aberdeen in November."

Frail played down the fact Romanov's return coincides with former Hearts boss Craig Levein's visit to his old club.

Levein has been linked with a sensational return to Tynecastle after guiding United to third spot but Frail believes his friend will end up back in England.

He said: "I haven't read anything into the fact that Mr Romanov is back and Craig's team are the visitors.

"My job is to prepare the team to get a result against Dundee United.

"They've had an excellent season and should have won the CIS Cup. It's no surprise to me to see United so high up the table.

"But I think Craig feels he has unfinished business down south.

"He went to Leicester at a difficult time and they got rid of him too soon."

Hearts have been boosted by Iceland midfielder Eggert Jonsson's decision to sign a new deal to stay at the club until 2012.

The club also last night announced record turnover to go with their record debt.

Turnover at Tynecastle rose for a fourth year in a row to £10.32million but figures released by the club made no mention of debts that have spiralled to £38m.

Instead, the club focused on player sales of £1.12m, improved sales in the retail department, the club's ability to attract sponsorship and supporter loyalty.

A statement said: "Hearts remain focused on increasing efficiency by lowering costs and improving results on and off the field."

Taken from the Daily Record