I'M IN NO RUSH TO QUIT HEARTS

CRAIG GORDON wouldn't dream of drawing up a timescale to quit Tynecastle because even 24 hours is a lifetime at Hearts.

The keeper has refused to rule out handing in a transfer request but says he is in no rush to leave the Scottish Cup holders right now.

But Gordon has expressed his frustration that employment law prevents him coming clean with the fans on the details of his disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

He was carpeted by club bosses over his show of support for Paul Hartley and Steven Pressley as the former skipper revealed there was significant unrest among players over the way the club is being run by Vladimir Romanov.

It's believed Gordon, who has just been named new club captain, was given a slap on the wrists for his role in the statement that was delivered at Riccarton on October 27.

It is an open secret that Gordon, who has been watched by English clubs that include Manchester United and Arsenal, will move on before his contract expires in 2009 and net his club a massive transfer windfall.

But he insists events of the last two months have not pushed him towards the door just yet.

He said: "From my point of view, the goings-on will not hasten my departure. I'm still fully committed to Hearts.

"I'd only think of leaving if there was a much better deal on offer and, with the length of time left on my contract, it would have to be something Hearts were happy with as well.

"I'm just getting on with my own thing and trying to keep my level of performance at as high a level as possible.

"There is no timescale on me leaving Hearts. At this club you deal with every single day as it comes because anything beyond that is more likely to be wrong.

"I'm not at the stage of handing in a transfer request - not at the moment. I wouldn't say it'll never reach that stage because you never know but at the moment that won't happen."

The Hearts PR staff called a halt to questions about Gordon's ongoing relationship with the club during the press conference ahead of today's visit to Dundee United.

They were doing one of the most confident and accomplished speakers in the Scottish game a disservice because he has always been aware of the weight and worth of his comments.

However, he admitted he had to hold his tongue reluctantly on the dispute that saw Pressley ditched by Hearts and Hartley axed from the team, although the midfielder will return today at Tannadice. Gordon, 23, reckons the situation will become clearer in the weeks ahead, possibly when Romanov finally speaks to players about the issues Pressley raised in his bombshell address.

Asked if he regretted sitting side by side with Elvis, he said: "That was one of the major questions asked at the meeting with the club and I can't discuss it because the situation is ongoing.

"I absolutely understand the fans' frustration and they have a right to know these things and unfortunately I can't come out and say exactly what went on.

"It was an internal meeting and it has to stay that way. It would be good if the situation was clarified and there was transparency but it's not my call.

"As an employee of the club I've been told not to say anything.

"Hopefully over the next few weeks the outcome of the meeting will be known and we will move on.

"It would be fairly easy to draw a line under this, give a final verdict on what happened but that cannot happen for a couple of weeks yet.

"I can't really say yet if I'm happy with the outcome of the meeting because I've still to talk to Fraser Wishart (SPFA secretary) and see where it goes.

"I was a little surprised to be called in but after what happened to Steven it was inevitable they'd have to be seen to be doing something to everyone else involved.

"It was a good meeting - the mood was fine, very amicable and calm. Both parties had their say and we left it at that and we'll see what happens in the next few weeks."

Gordon, born in Edinburgh and raised a Jambo, knows more than most the emotions of the fans who are growing increasingly perplexed with the Romanov regime.

But they also know there are no consortia waiting to buy him out.

The atmosphere at Tynecastle has been uneasy in recent weeks and a combination of Christmas and a little loss of faith has seen the return of 800 tickets from Gorgie to Tannadice this week. Gordon admits the last 12 months have been challenging and while he doesn't envisage the day Romanov turns up for a pint at The Diggers to chat with fans, he would like to see the owner address both players and supporters soon.

He added: "The last year has been difficult. Parts have been very good, most notably the end of last season, one of our best campaigns in years.

"Our fans have backed the team more often than not in difficult circumstances and I'm sure they'll continue to do that.

"The players will be there to do the job to the best of our abilities as we aim to take three points from Dundee United.

"Mr Romanov runs the club the way he sees fit. He's a very busy man with lots of business interests to attend to. However, when he does come here hopefully he will deal with the situations he finds."

'At this club you deal with every day as it comes'

Taken from the Daily Record