NO WAY TO TREAT MY OLD MATE

RUDI SKACEL last night spoke of his shock at Vladimir Romanov's treatment of Steven Pressley.

The former Tynecastle fans' favourite was stunned to hear about doubts over the skipper's future with the capital outfit.

The defender missed Monday's 1-1 draw at Falkirk after finding out about plans to end his reign as club captain.

The 33-year-old played no part in the game after declaring himself mentally unfit to feature as his patience reached boiling point under the leadership of controversial majority shareholder Romanov.

Only last month, Pressley admitted to serious concerns about the direction Hearts were heading in under Romanov when he spoke out about unrest in the dressing room.

Now Pressley's own future is on the line and Skacel was appalled to hear of the way his former team-mate had been treated.

The 27-year-old Czech left Hearts to join former boss George Burley at Southampton in July.

And Skacel reckons Romanov's actions are designed to kill the Gorgie outfit.

Skacel was part of the Hearts team that lifted the Scottish Cup last May.

But Romanov forced him to give up his win bonuses - including the one from the Final victory over Gretna - as part of the agreement that allowed him to move to St Mary's.

Skacel said: "It's a horrible situation at Hearts.

"Mr Romanov has made a big mistake with Elvis. It's unbelievable what he's doing, just horrible. I'm finished with Hearts but I still see the bad decisions Romanov is making.

"I'm very disappointed. It's hard for the fans and all the staff - they do not deserve this. It's really crazy at the moment.

"It must be very difficult for Elvis, a big player for Hearts. He doesn't deserve this either. I don't know what will happen next."

Taken from the Daily Record