Riabovas to be latest Hearts boss

Hearts have confirmed that FBK Kaunas’s Eugenijus Riabovas is to take charge of the Edinburgh side later this month, replacing acting head coach Eduard Malofeev who himself had stepped in for Valdas Ivanauskas, who is currently on an indefinite period of sick leave.

A statement on Hearts’ official website, said: "Riabovas will cover the duties of temporary head coach Eduard Malofeev, who is to progress with the attainment of his UEFA pro-licence."

This is the latest in a rapid turnaround of coaches for the Jam Tarts since Vladimir Romanov took control of the club in February 2005.

John Robertson, George Burley and Graham Rix have all been and gone during that time, with assistant coach John McGlynn stepping in as caretaker boss between appointments.

This latest announcement is unlikely to please many of the Tynecastle faithful who have seen a loss in form in the past few weeks including the recent defeat to rivals Hibs in the CIS Insurance Cup and a 1-1 draw with Falkirk last night.

The omission of talismanic club skipper Steven Pressley from that game is another factor that is causing particular concern among the fans.

Pressley had last month revealed 'significant unrest' in the dressing room over the way the club was being run, and many have been expecting a showdown with Romanov over his comments.

Martin Laidlaw, chairman of the Heart of Midlothian Supporters Trust said: "We were absolutely appalled. Everybody has nothing but respect for how he (Pressley) has handled himself.

"For that to happen to him is showing real disrespect for the institution of Heart of Midlothian and for the fans and players, past and present.

"We can only try and get key individuals – maybe the likes of George Foulkes and various other big hitters – to actually plead with Romanov to say 'look, you are damaging something really quite precious'.

"He needs to be reminded he is only the custodian of the club for the time being and that he needs to stop playing FIFA football manager with a major Scottish institution."

Taken from the Scotsman