Coach no show

CONFUSION today surrounded the position of Eugenijus Riabovas after he failed to take over from Eduard Malofeev as interim head coach of Hearts.

The FBK Kaunas boss was due to watch the Jambos in action against Rangers at Tynecastle on Sunday before beginning his temporary role yesterday while Malofeev, himself an interim appointment while Valdas Ivanauskas remains on sick-leave, completes his UEFA pro-licence. However, there was no sign of the 55-year-old Lithuanian at the weekend's match and it's understood he has yet to begin his role with the Gorgie club.

Hearts, who are continuing their policy of minimal communication with the media, would do no more than stick to their initial line that he will take over by the end of the month. A spokesperson said: "At no point did the club ever confirm he (Riabovas) would start after the Rangers game."

This, however, is at odds with comments made by Riabovas in an exclusive interview with the Evening News last week. At that time he said: "I will start work on Monday after the match against Rangers. It is not a permanent position, only temporary."

The club did confirm that Malofeev remains in charge of first-team affairs for the moment although gave no indication as to when he would now take his coaching badges, which he is required to have to work in this country on a long-term basis.

Malofeev has the worst record of any Hearts manager since the start of last century.

During his five matches in charge, Hearts have drawn twice and suffered three defeats whereas every other manager, including caretakers, was able to win at least one of their opening five games.

The most recent turmoil to engulf the club will stun fans who just yesterday learned that John McGlynn, a stabilising influence over the last 18 months, had quit to take over as manager of Raith Rovers.

Supporters' group G10, which comprises of representatives of the Fans' Forum, the Federation, Shareholders' Association and the Trust, met with club officials last night to discuss the way the club was being run and to demand face-to-face talks with owner Vladimir Romanov.

Hearts were represented by Campbell Ogilvie, general secretary and operations director, communications director David Southern and Pablo Lopez who was introduced as deputy chief executive.

"It was a satisfactory meeting," said a spokesperson for G10.

"The four organisations took the opportunity to express their serious concerns. We particularly focussed on, and agreed, that there was an urgent need to meet Vladimir Romanov to discuss issues concerning the short-term visions for the club and solutions, the long-term vision as well as football matters and team performance. Hearts appeared to take on board everything."

Taken from the Scotsman