Regular visitors to Vital Hearts will perhaps have spotted that I comment quite a bit on articles without actually writing any myself.
Truth be told, I think I’m probably better at responding to questions already posed than posing them myself. So please forgive this article if it doesn’t reach the usual high standard of Vital Hearts.
Something got me thinking the other day, however – and since it wasn’t a question that had been posed previously, I thought maybe I was somehow the first one to think it. It was the report that Roman Romanov might be brought up on charges by the SFA for his uncharacteristic (!) rant against Scottish referees and the Old Firm in the recent (private) AGM.
More annoyingly, he also rubbished reports published on the Hearts website four months earlier that the Board were looking for a new manager. That same evening, Sergejus Fedotovas, a member of the Hearts board, published an extensive and articulate video interview on the Hearts website effectively backtracking on all of that.
Since Rodney made those statements (then ran away and hid under his bed) everyone connected with the club has attempted to sidestep or distance themselves from what was said. Crucially though, no word from Roman himself – or perhaps more tellingly, his father. There was a general feeling though that the reaction behind the scenes from those who genuinely care about Hearts (John & Darren Murray, Stevie Frail, some of the players…) was that of a cringing head-in-hands ‘Oh gawd no…’.
It is this air of uncertainty that surrounds every Jambo – more critically perhaps for those who hold season tickets and are dithering about whether or not to renew. Would a public apology or clarification from at least one of the Romanovs make a difference? Or is action (in the form of a new manager) the only thing that counts at this point?
For me, the only thing that matters now is action. I don’t class Roman Romanov as being involved in the running of the club (acting CEO and Chairman, yeah right…) because football clearly doesn’t interest him. And given the very political but telling responses from others within the club, it seems fairly clear that his views do not reflect those of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, or its policies.
Nevertheless, the Romanovs are still apparently funding this little excursion, and therefore it’s my view that they need to be sent a strong and clear message – in words they can understand: money. Don’t renew. Don’t buy from the shops.
My heart would say yes, but my head says no. Signing on for yet another season such as this would be lunacy – but then you have to be a bit unhinged to be a Jambo, so I can understand completely those who do renew their season ticket.
I just don’t think it’s something I could justify to myself. All the backtracking and statements from ‘minions’ means nothing if it is not backed up by action from frankly the only person who really counts in all of this – Vladimir Romanov – who has been eerily silent. And that’s what worries me…
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Many thanks to Stockport Jambo for finally putting his undoubted journalistic talents to good use! It’s a pity that your first article had to be on such a sombre note, but the overall point your making is for me, pretty much spot on. You’ve summed up my own feelings on the situation pretty well, although I’m still undecided on the renewal thing. That’s more to do with still wanting to go to football at the weekend though.
Good article, SJ !! I watched the Fedotovas interview – he seems a more reliable and business-like character, but some of his answers also seemed unconvincing. I’d actually have hoped for some news from Campbell Ogilvie via the press – he’s not on the board, but he’s in day to day charge (allegedly), and that would have gone some way to re-assuring the fans. Almost NOTHING attributed to Vlad has ever made sense or sounded truthful, so I don’t think his silence detracts from anything. I’m still sitting on that fence regarding ST renewal !!
To be honest I never bother looking at the Hearts site or tune into any of the interviews as after a couple of years of let downs I just don’t see the point in naively getting my hopes up. I would certainly listen to what Campbell Ogilvie has to say – surely he can see some light at the end of the tunnel or why else would he still wish to be associated with us??!! Look, there I go again – hope springs eternal!
Good point about Ogilvie, Itsnomarooned. Yes …. we’re experts now at spotting a distant straw to clutch !!
Cheers guys. I just think we need *something* from the Romanovs, as the messages coming out of Tynie are very conflicting. If Rodney got it wrong, or was mis-interpreted in some way, then they should just come out and say that. If the whole manager thing is just spin and BS, then they’d stay silent… which is exactly what they’ve done. The fact that there are such mixed messages is the most worrying thing of all for me. I don’t think Campbell Ogilvie could alleviate those fears, because at the end of the day, he is just another minion. Anyway… MrH… I’ll try and make my next article a bit more uplifting – say something along the lines of setting fire to a goat.
…hmm…the content sounds fine but make the subject different – I don’t mind goats so wouldn’t want to read about any harm coming to them…..how about substituting that for Gordon Strachan?
way off subject guys ,, but talking of apologies I,d like to offer a sincere apology to Mr H ,, your comments in regards to myself on the Celtic site were spot on ( a ) you are never offensive ,, ( b ) I dont ( at times ) take the time to fully digest the comments and opinion of my fellow posters ,, and ( c ) I do indeed fly off the handle too easily at times … having for once taken the time to digest yours ,, I,d just like to say sorry and will try to curb my unfortunate manner whilst in the thick of it ,, I,m also sorry to all you other Hearts fans for hijacking this thread ,, but some things just have to be cleared up promptly ,, so ,, once again Mr H,, please accept my sincere apology ,, all the best to you and yours ,, from the grovelling Wishaw Bhoy ……
No problem WB – although some of your comments have annoyed me at times I never thought you were a bad guy deep down. I appreciate you coming on here and posting these comments – very decent of you. Now away and insult more Teddy Bears on the Sheep site! PS At the time of writing I’m STILL waiting on a Fiorentina goal – they’d better get their finger out sharpish….
thanks for that Mr H ,, and just to say that it was Your decency that prompted my conscience ,, the rest I can only wholeheartedly agree with ,, thank you !!! ……
No worries pal – everyone loses their cool at times….you should try being a Jambo!
in regards to the hun game ,, I ,m glad to see I,m not the only hothead in the world ! just a poorly paid one !!!! HA !
They are absolutely appalling aren’t they? Worst team ever to reach a European final? Surely.
the sun even shines on a dogs erse Mr H………..