True fans are losing out in Romanov's battle with the Press

EVENTS at Hearts took another bizarre twist when Alex Kozlovski, who has been working as a translator for acting head coach Eduard Malofeev, was presented before the media to discuss tonight's crucial CIS Cup quarter-final clash with Hibs.

The fact, however, that by his own admission, he has no influence over team selection, tactics or training at the club made him a baffling choice.

When the media assembled at the club's Riccarton training complex were told that Kozlovski would be taking the briefing the first question on most lips was "Who?"

Officially he's been working as the club's "sport director" since June although his presence has largely gone undetected during that period.

"Eduard has sent me to speak to you because my English is better than his," reasoned Kozlovski, as the press conference got underway.

There is little disputing the fact that Kozlovski, a former Dinamo Minsk player, does indeed possess a better grasp of the English language than Malofeev but so do many people and they aren't qualified to hold a press conference on a tie they will have no input into either.

"Eduard thinks I can save you time by speaking to you directly," he continued.

Yet when quizzed on what formation Hearts might employ at Easter Road or which members of the playing staff might be involved he responded "I don't know, it's up to the coach."

Only it couldn't be talked through with Malofeev because he refused to attend when it's customary for the manager to do so.

Questions regarding the presence of FBK Kaunas manager Eugenijus Riabovas in Edinburgh were also sidestepped with Kozlovski claiming not to know who he is. It was hard to escape the feeling that Kozlovski had been put forward simply to make life difficult for the Press whom Vladimir Romanov has had many a battle with since assuming control at Hearts.

Yet this approach is only affecting the people that really matter - the fans - who pump money into the club and are being deprived of answers.

Taken from the Scotsman