Romanov bank to sponsor Hearts

HEARTS have strengthened their links with Lithuania by allowing Vladimir Romanov's Ukio Bankas to become the club's new shirt sponsor.

The Tynecastle side were reluctant to divulge details of the deal but claimed it was worth a "six-figure sum" and had the potential to run for several years.

The club denied the agreement with Romanov's bank came about because they could not find any other suitable sponsor. "We've been speaking to different companies and decided this was the best deal for us," said a spokesperson.

However, chief executive Phil Anderton admitted the recent upheaval at the club had allowed little time to seek out a new deal following the expiry of the agreement with All Sports, the previous shirt sponsor.

"We found ourselves in a difficult position when you consider that to make the most out of such an agreement you need many months to negotiate," Anderton said.

Ukio Bankas, which recently took over the responsibility for Hearts' debt from the Bank of Scotland, is also the main sponsor of the Lithuanian national side. Hummel, the sportswear firm, will provide kit for both Lithuania and Hearts.

As Hearts' biggest shareholder, Romanov hopes his involvement with the club will allow his bank to gain a foothold in this country. Plans are already underway to open an office in Edinburgh.

"Edinburgh is a well known financial centre in the world and Ukio is keen to get more exposure to potential partners and investors," said a bank spokesperson. "The bank is to open a representative office shortly and sees an opportunity to establish a financial services business in the city."

Hearts gave credit yesterday to Anderton for "brokering" the deal, although it is hard to imagine that Romanov was difficult to deal with.

The chief executive, who is still talking to candidates for the vacant manager's post and is understood to have held another meeting with Nevio Scala, said: "Six months ago, the bulldozers were on their way to Tynecastle, the club was heading to Murrayfield, something the supporters were united against, and our financial position gave great cause for concern.

"Since then, Mr Romanov completed the deal to take a 29.9 per cent stake in the club and with his support we cancelled the sale of Tynecastle, secured the future of the club at its spiritual home and have begun establishing our strategic plan for long term success both on and off the field, and this excellent deal is part of that."

Anderton's search for a successor to John Robertson looks likely to drag on into next week with Scala sending out mixed messages. At the start of the week the former Parma coach cast doubt on his ability to take the job in time for the new season. However, he then said he remained interested in the post. George Burley, the other leading candidate, is on holiday and will not return to the UK until next week.

Hearts, meanwhile, insist they have no knowledge of claims from the Lithuanian striker Robert Poskus who says he has rejected an approach from the Tynecastle club.

Poskus, who plays for Russian premier league club Krylia Sovietov, said he has no interest in moving to "a league where the top two teams are head and shoulder above the rest and the others are just there to make up the numbers".

"I received an offer [from Hearts], but turned it down," Poskus said. "As long as the situation at Krylia stabilises I see no reason to change clubs."

The 26-year-old, who was Lithuania's player of the year in 2003, hinted that he would welcome a move to England at some point, but had no desire to ply his trade in the SPL.

"I don't have a close relationship with Romanov. Besides, when you're deciding which team to play for, having the same nationality is not the main factor," added Poskus.

Earlier this week, Poskus' international team-mate, Brescia defender Marius Stankevicius was warned by Lithuania coach, Algimantas Liubinskas that joining Hearts would be a bad career move.

Taken from the Scotsman