Hearts squad to meet to back Rix

Players told BBC Sport that Hearts owner Romanov and not the head coach picked the side against Dundee United.

And captain Steven Pressley said after Tuesday's 1-1 draw: "The players will endeavour to find a solution and will take a group decision.

"We understand the manager's situation and we are 100% behind him."

Romanov financed the signing of 11 new players during January as second-top Hearts chase Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic.

But there is unrest within the 35-man first-team pool after six changes were made for the trip to Tannadice.

I'll be in tomorrow to prepare for Saturday's game. If it's to be otherwise, it's out of my hands
Hearts head coach Graham Rix

Asked who chose the team, Pressley told BBC Sport: "Make your own decision.

"I was surprised by the team as I think that, for any successful side, there has to be continuity of selection.

"Time and time again, we have played a settled side and got results.

"We certainly hope that Graham remains as our manager and I hope he doesn't walk away."

Rix would not be drawn on claims that he told players that Romanov was now picking the team and media reports that he could be leaving the Edinburgh club.

"I'm not going to comment about things like that," said Rix.

Dundee United 1-1 Hearts

"I'll be in tomorrow to prepare for Saturday's game. If it's to be otherwise, it's out of my hands."

The agent for Scotland defender Andy Webster had earlier told BBC Sport that he has ended negotiations about a new contract.

Webster, whose contract runs until next summer, was one of those dropped for Tuesday's game.

Meanwhile, a player told BBC Sport that Rix had told his squad: "Romanov is pulling the strings, picking the team, including the substitutes, and has total control."

Another player claimed that Rix told him: "Mr Romanov is picking the team."

Webster stalls on contract talks

But Hearts played down suggestions that Rix was leaving the club.

Asked whether Romanov was picking the team, the owner's spokesman, Charlie Mann, said: "Not to my knowledge. I have heard nothing to suggest that Graham will not be in his current role on an ongoing basis."

Former Portsmouth manager Rix had insisted "I am picking the team" when he was unveiled at Tynecastle on 8 November.

He had been brought in to replace George Burley, who left the club amid reports of meddling from Romanov.

Taken from the BBC