WE'LL SEE YOU IN COURT

OUTRAGED Players Union bosses last night declared war on Vladimir Romanov and vowed to take the Hearts chief to court if he doesn't make peace with Steven Pressley.

Union secretary Fraser Wishart spoke out after yesterday's 2-2 draw with St Mirren to condemn the hardline Jambos supremo for suspending Elvis.

And as Wishart threatened legal action, alleging victimisation of the club captain Pressley's team-mate Edgaras Jankauskas begged Romanov not to wield the axe and demanded answers on the situation.

In a prepared statement Wishart said: "The SPFA condemns in the strongest of terms what it regards as the unjustified treatment by Heart of Midlothian FC towards our member Steven Pressley.

"The SPFA and its parent body the GMB trade union have long been concerned about the unorthodox managerial and employment practices at the club and the effect these have had on the professional and personal welfare of SPFA members at the club.

"Steven has had and will continue to enjoy our full support.

"Along with our legal team we will offer Steven every assistance to enable him to seek redress via internal football procedures or, if necessary, other means.

"I can make no comment on the details of the case. All I will say is Steven was 100 per cent fit and available for selection for the St Mirren game."

Meanwhile, Jankauskas (left) made a shocking admission that the players have become USED to turmoil scuppering the team's preparations for games.

But he admitted Elvis' omission was a factor in two more dropped points that stretches Hearts' miserable record to NINE matches without a win.

Jankauskas said: "It's been difficult but all season long we have had these turmoils so are getting used to them.

"It does affect the team psychologically but we have no choice but to stay professional and continue to prepare for games. Of course Steven is important - he's the team captain and respected in the dressing room.

"We have no information about what has happened so it's difficult. We want to have a clear a picture of what's going on."

Hearts coach Valdas Ivanauskas (far left) clammed up when asked about the Pressley affair and would not confirm whether the skipper has kicked his last ball for the club. A statement that will reveal his fate is expected within 48 hours.

Ivanauskas said: "I will give this answer tomorrow or Monday at the latest.

"I know the situation with Steven well but I will not speak about it now. The fans may be angry but they are angry about the results of the last few weeks.

"I want stability for the club and am trying to find a winning team to do this."

After missing four weeks due to a stress-related illness the Lithuanian has walked head first into another major crisis.

But he rejected the suggestion that he has returned to an even MORE stressful situation than the one he left.

He added: "Stress is a good. I have it before games and sometimes after but stress has two sides. For me this is positive stress now rather than negative."

Taken from the Sunday Mail