HE'S SICK NOT SACKED

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS checked into a health spa yesterday after admitting he can no longer take the strain of bossing Hearts.

Ivanauskas asked for two weeks off after jetting to Kaunas for crisis talks with Vladimir Romanov.

Romanov's right-hand man last night claimed the Lithuanian is already recuperating in a spa resort as Ivanauskas confirmed his reign at Tynecastle was taking its toll.

He stormed out of Tynecastle on Saturday night after the 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock and into talks with football consultants Anatoliy Korobochka and Eduard Malofeev.

He didn't take training on Sunday morning, leaving Malofeev in charge of the first-team squad with Korobochka assisting.

However, Ivanauskas insists he plans to return to his post after his break, which sees him miss games against Dunfermline and Celtic.

Romanov said: "Valdas asked for the meeting and I was happy to see him. He explained why he needs time away and I understood what he told me. During his absence the rest of the coaching staff will perform the necessary duties.

"Malofeev will take the leading role and I ask our fans and those associated with the club to give their fullest support to the team.

"I have full confidence in Valdas and look forward to his return."

Ivanauskas said: "It was my initiative to meet Vladimir. He said yes and listened to all I said and it was great to feel his support.

"Despite how it may seem, the meeting was not connected to the defeat on Saturday. I had some health problems earlier but now it is at the point where I cannot ignore them.

"I want to be, and must be, at the top of my physical and mental state. Therefore, with Vladimir's consent, I am taking two weeks leave which I will spend getting my health back.

"I will return in two weeks to my position as head coach. I hope our fans understand my need for this."

Calls to Ivanauskas were being answered yesterday by Arpiom Cetverikov, Romanov's PA in Lithuania.

He said: "Valdas has problems with his health and has gone to recuperate at a spa. He'll probably stay for two weeks but we are not giving out any more information at this stage."

Derek Watson, secretary of the Hearts Supporters' Trust, believes most fans will be relieved to hear Ivanauskas is remaining as head coach.

He said: "For the last six months or so, everyone has been calling for consistency and another change of manager would not help.

"I don't think people wanted to see him either resign or be sacked. The outcome is probably acceptable to most fans."

Ivanauskas gave a glimpse last month into how he copes with the strain of coaching Hearts when he revealed he works out in the gym until he is physically exhausted to clear his mind.

He has had much to cope with this season, including suggestions he is not entirely responsible for selecting the team. He's also been criticised for a squad rotation policy that has seen him make 59 changes already this season.

Ivanauskas was charged with leading his side to the SPL title and Champions League this season but they were bundled out of Europe's top competition at the qualifying stages by AEK Athens then knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the first round.

His side also slipped eight points behind leaders Celtic at the weekend and have Rangers, Kilmarnock and Inverness now breathing down their necks in second place.

Malofeev and Korobochka took charge of two training sessions at Riccarton yesterday with first-team coach John McGlynn but the players refused to comment on the latest upheaval.

Romanov will hold discussions with representatives of fans' groups this weekend to talk through any issues arising from the decision to give his coach time off.

Taken from the Daily Record