Elvis in danger of being left out in the cold

WHEN Steven Pressley took the decision to issue a statement denouncing the way the club is being run by Vladimir Romanov he must have known he was putting himself directly in the firing line.

What's more, he would have been all too aware that Romanov has shown little hesitation in pulling the trigger in the past to rid himself of those who have opposed him. Just ask Pressley's one-time team-mate Andy Webster.

The duo formed an almost impenetrable barrier in defence at the start of last term yet Webster's refusal to sign an extended deal with the Jambos effectively signalled the end of his time with the club.

He was mercilessly frozen out, despite the fact it was universally agreed to be to the detriment of the team, and this summer ended up moving to English Premiership outfit Wigan Athletic.

Romanov's stance showed he simply wouldn't tolerate anyone who refused to pander to him. It was very much his way or the highway.

To a lesser extent young Andrew Driver found himself in a similar position. By knocking-back a five year-deal at Tynecastle a few weeks into the campaign he found himself consigned to the reserves, his reinstatement in the first team only coming when he finally relented and signed a new contract.

Romanov's hard-ball approach certainly takes no prisoners and perhaps Pressley felt his role as club captain, his status as a fans' favourite and indeed an inductee into the Hall of Fame would afford him some protection from Romanov's wrath.

It would appear, however, that he was wrong and whether or not he ever dons a maroon jersey again now lies in the hands of Romanov - a man not known for making concessions easily.

Taken from the Scotsman