Pressley seeks Romanov meeting

By Alan Campbell

HEARTS captain Steven Pressley last night said he would be seeking a meeting with owner Vladimir Romanov, who in a message on the club’s website assured fans he would not walk away despite continuing problems at Tynecastle.

Pressley, who on Friday spoke of dressing room discontent, said after the 1-1 draw against Dunfermline: “It’s an issue that needs to be addressed. I’m sure Mr Romanov will be keen to do that,” The Russian-born Lithuanian sanctioned yesterday’s selection of Pressley and the two players who had sat beside him, Paul Hartley and Craig Gordon, as the captain read out a prepared statement on the eve of yesterday’s match. But despite their presence Hearts could only take a point.

It was also reported that Romanov had threatened to play a reserve side against Celtic next Saturday if the result yesterday was not favourable, but that now seems highly unlikely even although the champions could go ten points clear at the top should they beat Kilmarnock this afternoon. Romanov is being advised to take a conciliatory attitude towards his players, and there was even talk of him defending free speech.

Despite his outspoken views on many issues, including the neutrality of match officials, Romanov hasn’t spoken to the media about Pressley’s comments and has resolved to stick to a resolution he made to the club’s fans that he will hold his own counsel for a month on this, and any other, matter.

With Valdas Ivanauskas absent for two weeks to recover from stress, sporting director Eduard Malofeev was in charge of the dug-out for yesterday’s match. Later, speaking through an interpreter, he angrily denied that Romanov had any role in picking the team.

“Vladimir was never interfering in any football matter. I don’t know where this idea comes from,” he said. “I’m the manager and I make the decisions. I can take advice from people, but my word is the last word. People who spread such gossip just want to show their weakness. Speaking honestly, I am surprised to hear such questions.”

Malofeev sent out a 3-4-3 formation with three defenders in midfield while Julien Brellier and Bruno Aguiar were only substitutes. When asked if this was another example of Hearts shooting themselves in the foot, Pressley said he wanted to sidestep the question after his comments on Friday.

Taken from the Sunday Herald