SORT THIS MESS OUT NOW VLAD

GARY MACKAY has pleaded with Vladimir Romanov to sort out the civil war at Hearts or risk a return to the anger and bitterness of the Chris Robinson era.

The Tynecastle legend joined forces with ex-chairman George Foulkes yesterday to urge the club owner to arrange summit talks with players and supporters.

Foulkes even told Romanov if he wants to hear his name sung again he must start listening to fans.

Mackay gave his strongest condemnation yet of the club owner's regime at the launch of "Believe!", the book on events at Tynecastle last season he has co-written with broadcaster Mark Donaldson.

They could soon be penning a sequel after recent events, which culminated in a demo outside the ground by over 100 fans after Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Rangers.

One supporter, former Save Our Hearts organiser Iain MacLeod, denied claims from the club's sporting director that the fans are racist but said they are ready to protest again unless Romanov gets his project back on track.

Mackay reckons progress can be made, but only if the owner works with honest brokers such as 1970s favourite Donald Ford to repair the damage.

The ex-Scotland midfielder also backed MacLeod over the racist claims after Lithuanian players were booed. Mackay said: "Only 14 months ago we had the best Hearts team in 30 years under George Burley. Now we're going down the road of replaying, in a different way, the Robinson regime.

"It's not quite as critical as that yet as we're still at Tynecastle and there are good players here but other fans feel that way, that's why they protested and I can relate to them.

"I don't like the fact people are outside the ground or booing the likes of Saulius Mikoliunas. I thought criticism of this one player was very harsh but people are only trying to get at the top man.\

"The fans would respect Romanov more if he put his hands up and said mistakes have been made. We need someone with a Scottish or British background on the board and on the touchline.

"John McGlynn has gone and we don't have English-speaking people on the first-team coaching staff so it could become a farce.

"I mean, Craig Gordon was supposed to be taken off after the Rangers goal on Sunday because they thought he was at fault. If that's the mentality of the coaching staff, we have problems.

"Donald Ford will hate me putting his name forward but he's the type of articulate man with a deep feeling for the club who can do that job. I don't regret Romanov coming to the club as his was the only card on the table at the time but he has let himself down."

Foulkes also appealed for Romanov to listen. He said: "The way forward is co-operation. People will say that's idle talk as he won't listen but we need to work together.

"If he wants to be successful with the club and in business around Edinburgh, he has to carry people with him. He has a high opinion of himself but he needs to take more notice of the players and fans.

MacLeod, who played a major role in bringing about Robinson's downfall, has warned Romanov the fans are getting angry.

He said: "Save Our Hearts hasn't been disbanded but it may become official again to make our feelings known."

On the racist claims He said: "It's not true - Andrius Velicka is Lithuanian and is warmly received.

"But there are issues with Mikoliunas as he doesn't play well but is still a first pick."

Taken from the Daily Record