Well?did anyone see this coming ? I certainly didn`t – although Vladimir`s reported rage about Hearts dismal end to last season`s SPL campaign should have perhaps put us on alert that Jim Jefferies` job was on thin ice.
With still no confirmation of today`s upheaval visible of Hearts official website, we are reliant on media organisations to interpet what on earth the story is. It seems that JJ has been offered a Director of Football post at Tynecastle (which has been unfilled since Aleksandr Metlitski left last year). However with Billy Brown having been JJ`s constant right-hand man for over 25 years, it seems unlikely that Jim would take a job which broke up that loyalty. Reports suggest that Gary Locke has NOT been dismissed, and he will be expected to prepare the team for Thursday`s Europe League qualifier (2nd leg) against Paksi at Tynecastle. This will put Gary in an awkward position also – torn between his love for Hearts and his loyalty to Jefferies and Brown.
Tonight, another report says that Paulo Sergio – who was dismissed as Sporting Lisbon manager in February after less than year in charge – will be the new manager. This would suggest that Romanov has been preparing this switch for some time, much as he did when he sacked Csaba Laszlo to bring JJ in.
Hearts haven`t won a match since they beat St Mirren in March (rather luckily I thought), although recent away draws at Ibrox and in Hungary can hardly be described as dismal. It seems that Romanov backed JJ`s opinion on summer signings, which was surely a signal that all was well. Hmmm – but this is Vladimir we`re talking about ?. and it seems that he regularly gets out of bed on the wrong side, so previous actions are no guide to future performance when it comes to our owner.
I suspect the Craig Thomson affair has soured relations between JJ and Romanov. The owner was quick to sanction a defence of the player – amid more bizarre “mafia” rantings – while JJ and most fans realised that it would be impossible to soldier on with the player amidst the widespread public condemnation of his internet behaviour towards young girls. Thomson has now been allowed to play for FC Kaunas – an admirable gesture by our owner to help a boy whose future looks bleak through his own stupidity – but one which shows that Romanov will always get his way, regardless of what advice he is given to the contrary.
I also wonder what part the contract renewal for Rudi Skacel has played in this. JJ said that he expected it to be resolved over a week ago, yet there was no news. Rudi played against Dundee United, apparently because JJ was advised that the renewal would go through in the next few days. It remains to be seen if Rudi will now even want to sign an extension, give the events of today.
What are your thoughts on Romanov`s actions ? Do you think JJ should take a Director role or just pack it all in ? And how will all this affect the players on Thursday against Paksi ?
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Well done Mr Romanov! The right decision to ask Jim upstairs and I’m sure you have the right man in Paulo Sergio. Great times ahead for the good guys of Scottish football.
It?s a sad situation when someone who has such a great association with a club is sacked ? just about every Jambo loves Jefferies and would give him leeway that would not be afforded another manager. As ever the press will love to play the mad Vlad card on this one and the violins will be out for Jim (the daggers for Romanov). I?m not condoning this decision but performances and certainly results have been uninspiring for a while. Rangers sacked John Greig (the greatest Ranger of all time or whatever he was voted) and will sack McCoist if /when he fails to get results. But that will be totally justified of course. Vlad has made some ***** decisions ? we are yet to see if this is one of them.
Well I’m gutted at this, yes i was upset at the bad form of the end of last season, but we’d been so good before it didnt matter, and we have started reasonably – if we reach the end of august without a win that would be a fair call. Its ridiculous to offer JJ another role, i cant see any reason for him to accept. However on a more positive note this new guy seems no mug, not regular Vlad appointment of a Korchoba type coach. My belief is we have a good manager and I’ll no doubt cheer him on, but he has Jim’s side, playing in a style Jim has built and once again ‘Circus’ is apt. My feeling is that Rudis contract and thompson to Kaunas may well have brought this to a head, i guess we’ll never know.
Jam Tart – I admire your optimism !! IMcD and Ptown_jambo – yes, JJ is a legend without doubt. The unfair thing in all this is that if he’s to blame for the winless streak, then he deserves credit for the great mid-season run – so the 2 balance themselves out in my book. But, Vlad doesnt’t see things like that. Paulo did quite well at his first press conference – reminded me of Casaba’s first one actually…. but no matter how well he does, chances are he’ll be history by the time world ends in December 2012 !!!
Jam tart – i’ve read that post elsewhere on newspaper websites… you’re not roman romanov are you?? ;o)