Hearts Shareholders' statement asks Romanov to butt out

The Hearts Shareholders' Association took the Scottish club's owner to task in its annual chairman's statement, dealing a shot to Vladimir Romanov.

Romanov was essentially asked to keep himself out of club affairs, and let the manager — whoever that might be — run the club as he sees fit.

"We welcome the statement from Hearts that a new manager will be appointed," the statement read. "We trust that this signals a new beginning for the club and Mr. Romanov will fully honour his commitment that the new manager will have full responsibility for team selection and coaching of the first-team squad.

"However, it is worth saying right at the outset that, if Mr. Romanov goes back on his word, January 1 2008 will be regarded by all Hearts supporters as a day of infamy. …

"There is now a light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully it is not a train coming towards us. Under a strong manager, who understands the Scottish game, Hearts still have a nucleus of good players that can be moulded into a team capable of achieving greater success in coming years."

The statement went on to praise club officials' willingness to work with the association, but expressed disappointment that the Romanov family did not do so.

"Perhaps bridges need to be mended which may involve an effort from all parties. It is alarming that the Romanovs have not been prepared to address our members' concerns."

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