The Hearts Thread

'Chopper' · 02-25-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

By STUART LOVELL
JUST when Hearts fans had begun to feel good about their club again, the news that top

goalscorer Andrius Velicka may be on the verge of a transfer to Norwegian side Viking Stavanger has left many feeling disillusioned about the way the Tynecastle outfit is being run.

As far as supporters are concerned there is never a good time to sell your top striker, but I'm amazed that the punters think this is such a bad decision.

I am a self-confessed fan of Velicka and have admitted as much in this column in the past, but I'm a great believer in the old adage "every player has his price" and, if he does happen to leave for the fee that's being suggested – around £1million – then Hearts will have done a tremendous piece of business.

The diehards will no doubt argue Velicka is worth considerably more than the asking price, but I would have to question their judgment on this occasion.

He may be an international, but Lithuanians don't tend to attract as much money in the transfer market as a player from a more fashionable nation.

Not only that, but you can't ignore the fact he is 28 years old and, although that shouldn't necessarily count against him, it's clear you're not buying a player with potential, more so a guy who is pretty much as good as he's ever going to get.

Velicka is undoubtedly one of the most potent strikers in the SPL – his goals to games ratio is pretty impressive – but there are plenty of other players into double figures this year who I'd bet would be available on today's transfer market for far less than a seven-figure sum. Noel Hunt, Chris Porter and David Clarkson have all regularly made their mark on the goalscoring charts since August, but how much would we be talking about for any one of those three? Nowhere near a million, I'd imagine.

Celtic paid just £700,000 for Scott McDonald last summer, which suggests either Strachan has an eye for a bargain or Vlad knows when to cash in his chips.

Some of the comments over the weekend in this very newspaper suggested that losing Velicka could well make the difference between Hearts finishing in the bottom six rather than the top six. With all due respect, so what?

Hearts' season has been, without question, a huge let-down. Does it really matter whether they finish fourth – arguably the best they can achieve – or even as low down as ninth place?

I'm sure a top-six finish might fool some fans into thinking the club is on its way back up, but the majority will know it would only be papering over the cracks that have appeared throughout the course of this season.

Perhaps one of the key factors here is that Hearts fans don't like to think of themselves as a selling club.

The truth is, every club in the SPL is a selling club when the price is right.

Celtic would perhaps like to argue the point, but I'll bet when one of the big guns in Europe come knocking with an eight-figure bid for Artur Boruc, they will snap the buyer's hand off.

Rangers have shown in recent seasons they are also willing to allow their biggest assets to leave – the transfers of Barry Ferguson, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Alan Hutton are evidence of that.

Hibs, Dundee United, Aberdeen all sell when necessary, and who can blame them?

Players come and go on a regular basis – that will never change – and though some clubs will make mistakes in the transfer market, both buying and selling, there are times when the powers-that-be make the right decision despite not having the support of the fans – just think Paul Hartley. Why not take the money for Velicka now, see out the season as best you can and then re-invest in the summer.

Better still, if Hearts are able to punt Roman Bednar to West Brom for a seven-figure fee – as is looking increasingly likely – the club will have plenty of time and money to bring in an exciting new partnership for next season.

Whatever we say about Mad Vlad he seems to be taking unheard of foreigners and turning a profit on them. But what does he do with the income? He's certainly not spending it!

'Chopper' · 02-26-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Hearts forward Andrius Velicka says that he hopes to join Viking Stavanger after meeting officials from the Norwegian club.

Viking hope to complete a reported £1m deal for the 28-year-old, who is officially on loan from FBK Kaunas.

The Lithuanian told the Daily Record: "Viking looks like an exciting club for me and I hope to agree personal terms.

"I like what Viking have come forward with, plus the facilities and stadium are very good."

Velicka, who has netted 14 goals for the Edinburgh outfit this season, added: "I like being at Hearts but going to another team is just part of a footballer's life."

Viking's director of football, former Rangers striker Egil Ostenstad, said:

"Things are not completed but we are hoping we can agree everything before he goes back to Scotland."

Quote:

Hearts striker Andrius Velicka has revealed he hopes to join Viking Stavanger after meeting officials from the Norwegian club.

Viking hope to wrap up a reported £1million deal for the 28-year-old, who is officially on loan from FBK Kaunas.

The Lithuanian, who has scored 14 goals for the Jambos this season, said in the Daily Record: "Viking looks like an exciting club for me and my intention is to agree personal terms.

"I like what Viking have come forward with and the facilities and stadium are very good.

"I like being at Hearts but going to another team is just part of a footballer's life."

Viking's director of football, former Rangers striker Egil Ostenstad, said: "Things are not completed but we are hoping we can agree everything before he goes back to Scotland."

Hearts captain Christophe Berra insists the team would survive without Velicka.

Even though he has proved his worth in front of goal, Berra insists the Edinburgh outfit have players in the squad that are capable of filling his boots.

The defender said: "If he does end up going it's an opportunity for the other strikers at the club.

"As you saw in Saturday's win over Motherwell, I think Christian Nade and Calum Elliot did well and they were unlucky not to get a couple of goals between them. We have got the quality players in the squad to replace him.

"If you're at Man United and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who is the top scorer, left it might be a loss.

"But as someone exits, someone else can come in and take on that mantle. It will dangle a little carrot to the other strikers so that they can step up their game."

Get the Lithuanians out the door and let the Scottish youngsters come through!

'Chopper' · 02-28-2008, 07:14 AM

Last night's side against Rangers:

Quote:

Banks, Neilson, Karipidis, Berra, Goncalves (Ksanavicius 54), Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas 46), Jonsson (Zaliukas 64), Palazuelos, Wallace, Nade, Elliot. Subs Not Used: Basso, Ivaskevicius, Tall, Mole.

The only Jock's are in blue!

Now look at the Rangers side:

Quote:

McGregor, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Whittaker, Dailly, Naismith, Ferguson, Davis (Thomson 85), Adam, Darcheville (Novo 46). Subs Not Used: Alexander, Boyd, Cousin, Furman, Lennon.

A good Scottish core! Is it any wonder we lost 0-4?!

'Chopper' · 02-29-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has not lost interest in the Edinburgh club, his spokesman has said.

Former Hearts chairman George Foulkes had suggested it may be time for Romanov to leave Tynecastle.

But Charlie Mann told BBC Scotland's Sportsound that Romanov was fully committed to Hearts.

"George is a big Hearts supporter and he's obviously hurting. But for George to suggest that Vladimir is losing interest is unbelievable," he said.

Hearts have slipped to eighth in the SPL following Wednesday's 4-0 defeat by Rangers at Tynecastle.

Romanov, who took over a majority shareholding at Hearts in October 2005, has been criticised for his stewardship of the club.

"Vladimir seems to have lost interest and Hearts require a hands-on owner," Foulkes told BBC Sport.

"He seems to have written this season off but Hearts can't afford to do that.

"It looks like the club will be stuck in the bottom six for the first time since the SPL began, and that would be awful for a proud club like Hearts."

In addition, the club's leading scorer Andrius Velicka has joined Norwegian side Viking Stavanger.

"I sat through the whole game against Rangers despairing at the lack of spirit in the side," Foulkes said.

"Bringing out Velicka at half-time seemed to rub salt into the wounds.

"Supporters are talking about not renewing their season tickets and I can understand that frustration."

I can't remember the last time George had a meaningful conversation with Vladimir about Hearts

Foulkes, who was Hearts chairman two seasons ago, said the club's problems need to be tackled.

"Hopefully, Mr Romanov will take the supporters' concerns into account, but he's a kind of Jekyll and Hyde figure so I think it's a difficult situation.

"People have been saying that we need a new manager with authority and Romanov seemed to agree - but that was months ago.

"This is something that needs to be done now," he added.

However, Mann said despite a disappointing run of results, criticism of Romanov was unfair.

"Anyone who was at Tynecastle on Wednesday night will be hurting too," he said.

"It was an unacceptable performance against Rangers. They did not have to be that good to beat Hearts convincingly and we all left the stadium depressed by the whole thing.

"But for George to suggest that Vladimir is losing interest in Hearts is unbelievable.

"I can't remember the last time George had any kind of meaningful conversation with Vladimir about his interests in Hearts and what he's doing at Hearts."

Mann said operations director Campbell Ogilvie ran the club on a day-to-day basis and that Romanov was in daily contact with club officials when he was not in Scotland.

Quote:

VLADIMIR Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, has dismissed calls from former chairman George Foulkes that he has "lost interest" in the club and should sell up, and attempted to assure disgruntled supporters he is committed to delivering success to the struggling Tynecastle outfit.

Incensed by Hearts' dismal 4-0 defeat to Rangers on Wednesday, which left Stevie Frail's side with an uphill battle to finish this season in the top six of the Scottish Premier League, Foulkes, an MSP and life peer, said: "Vladimir seems to have lost interest and Hearts require a hands-on owner. He seems to have written this season off, but Hearts can't afford to do that. It looks like the club will be stuck in the bottom six for the first time since the SPL began, and that would be awful for a proud club like Hearts."

However, Romanov dismissed his former chairman's comments, and said: "I would have thought a respectable figure such as George Foulkes, with all his onerous responsibilities in the House of Lords and the Scottish Parliament, had better things to do than stir up Hearts fans. If the club was so well run when he was in charge, why did it need rescuing?"

Foulkes welcomed Romanov with open arms when the Lithuanian banker bought former chief executive Chris Robinson's stake in February 2005, and supported him again when he launched his bid to take full control of the club at a press conference on 21 October, 2005.

However, just 24 hours after Foulkes' backing for Romanov, George Burley was removed as manager of the club, and chief executive Phil Anderton followed him out of the door days later. Foulkes quit as chairman in protest at their departures and accused Romanov of "behaving like a dictator".

Foulkes renewed his criticism yesterday after sitting through Wednesday's woeful display. Furious supporters were seen leaving Tynecastle in droves long before the final whistle sounded against Rangers, and while Foulkes was not one of them, he was particularly upset to see Andrius Velicka paraded in front of the fans at half-time, hours after Hearts' top goalscorer had been sold to Norwegian club Viking Stavanger for a fee of around £1million. "I sat through the whole game against Rangers despairing at the lack of spirit in the side," added Foulkes. "Bringing out Velicka at half-time seemed to rub salt into the wounds.

"Supporters are talking about not renewing their season tickets and I can understand that frustration."

Hearts began this season with Anatoly Korobochka and Frail in charge, and they were joined in a three-man coaching set-up by Bulgarian Angel Chervenkov. With results stuttering and Frail continually left to explain poor performances to bemused supporters and the media, Romanov indicated on 1 January that he had initiated a search for a new permanent manager, putting the Scot in temporary charge with responsibility for team selection.

Two months on, the club has yet to identify a manager, and Foulkes insisted an appointment is long overdue. "He's (Romanov] a kind of Jekyll-and-Hyde figure, so I think it's a difficult situation," he said. "People have been saying that we need a new manager with authority and Romanov seemed to agree, but that was months ago. This is something that needs to be done now."

However, Charlie Mann, Romanov's spokesman, told The Scotsman: "George Foulkes is obviously hurting as a Hearts fan as many are in wake of last night's defeat by Rangers. But to my knowledge, it is a long time since George has spoken to Vladimir about the club and I am at a loss therefore to understand why he thinks he has lost interest.

"I was at a series of meetings in Kaunas on Monday and Tuesday this week where it was clear that Vladimir still retains the utmost interest in making Hearts a success."

Vlad, do us a favour,

off!

'Chopper' · 03-03-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Billy Davies has said he is interested in becoming the new Hearts manager.

The job appeals to the ex-Derby County boss, who said: "Hearts are looking for a new manager and that would interest me - if I could pick my own team.

"They have not been one of the clubs who have spoken to me, but I'll sit back and see who's interested.

"I'll work anywhere, even abroad, I'll go back to England if something comes up or I'll stay in Scotland. I will listen to any offers."

The Scot recently parted company with the Rams, and Hearts are currently under the temporary charge of Stephen Frail.

Davies ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland job two months ago, with the post eventually being given to former Hearts boss George Burley.

Not him, anyone but him!

'Chopper' · 03-03-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

HEARTS star Jose Goncalves last night revealed he had to get out of Scotland to clear his head.

But the Portuguese defender has refused to confirm he will return to the club this morning after being dumped for the trip to play Inverness Caley Thistle. Goncalves was ditched over a breach of club discipline following the 4-0 midweek SPL defeat by Rangers. It is understood the 22-year-old walked out of Tynecastle before the end of the game because he was angry at his substitution and the defeat.

It's believed Goncalves has returned to Portugal for a break but the player refused to reveal his whereabouts yesterday.

Goncalves told Record Sport: "I was very frustrated after the game. All players and staff were frustrated and for a few days afterwards I wasn't happy.

"I also needed to make a little break in my mind. I have a strong character and when I don't like something I'll say it. That can makes it difficult for people, but that's the way it is.

"I looked at my performance and was frustrated. I was also frustrated at losing so heavily at home. I did not expect to lose like that."

Asked if he will return to training this morning, as boss Steve Frail expects, he added: "No comment."

Goncalves denies he's shown a lack of professionalism by storming out in the huff.

He said: "Sometimes I am frustrated and angry, but never against the fans. I appreciate they have taken me as one of their favourites."

Asked if he can still work with Frail, Goncalves added: "Yes."

Hearts showed no ill-effects on Saturday as they won 3-0 at Inverness and Frail said: "It's an internal matter. I've spoken to Jose and he accepts he is wrong. As far as we're concerned that's the end of the matter and Jose will be back on Monday."

I reckon he's looking for a move and one surefire way of getting one is petulant behaviour!

'Chopper' · 03-04-2008, 11:35 AM

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Guess which ground has the best atmosphere in Scotland? No not Celtic Park, nor Ibrox! It's Tynecastle!

'Chopper' · 03-11-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Hearts have extended the loan of midfielder Audrius Ksanavicius from FBK Kaunas for a further year.

The 31-year-old moved to Tynecastle last summer and will spend a second season in the Scottish Bank Premier League after featuring regularly in his first campaign.

The Jambos are still hoping for a top-six finish, but it has been a mostly disappointing season for the Edinburgh outfit.

Lithuania international Ksanavicius told the club's official website: "While I am naturally delighted to have signed the extension to my contract at Hearts, I also have a sense of unfinished business.

"We owe it to the fans to be competing for the European places and I know that I can play my part in making sure we deliver."

Quote:

AUDRIUS KSANAVICIUS has thrashed out a new deal to extend his stay at Tynecastle – ending rumours the frontman was about to quit Hearts.

The 31-year-old joined the Jambos from FBK Kaunas in the summer after impressing in the pre-season friendly against Barcelona but his loan deal had come to an end and he was reported to have flown back to Lithuania after talks over an extension broke down. However, the Evening News understands that both parties have now reached an agreement and the player will remain with the Gorgie outfit until at least the end of next season.

Ksanavicius has made 26 appearances for Hearts this season, scoring just one goal, but has proved to be one of the more popular Lithuanian players with the club's supporters.

The news that he is to prolong his spell with the Jambos will be welcomed by the Hearts fans, particularly after the departure of top scorer Andrius Velicka to Viking Stavanger last month. Roman Bednar and Michal Pospisil have also all left the club in recent months, leaving interim head coach Stephen Frail short of options up front.

Ksanavicius, meanwhile, was due to play in today's reserve match against Falkirk and Frail insisted that the 31-year-old remains an important part of his squad.

The player was dropped for the games against Motherwell and Inverness and played only a bit-part role in the 4-0 defeat to Rangers, but Frail said: "He is a Hearts player, he's an important part of the squad and we will probably have to use a lot of our players over the next few weeks as we have a difficult period of games coming up.

"I think he has done well for us this season, playing off the striker when we've had just one up front, although he has maybe tired a bit in recent weeks.

"We left him out of the game against Inverness for that reason and against Motherwell because we felt that the pitch was a bit too heavy. He's looked a bit leg-weary but, along with the rest of the squad, he's had a few days off and I'm sure he'll be fresh and ready to go again."

He's that bad he's not even sh1te, but he's with us for another year! Thanks a

million Vlad!

03-04-2008, 11:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
'Chopper' Amateur Supports: Heart of Midlothian FC Favourite Players: Roy Keane, Paulo Maldini Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Norwich, "a fine city" .... full of inbreds! Rating: Posts: 430	Best atmosphere! To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily. Guess which ground has the best atmosphere in Scotland? No not Celtic Park, nor Ibrox! It's Tynecastle! __________________ There ARE two teams in Edinburgh, Hearts .......... and Hearts reserves!

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