Romanov slams former bosses

Hearts supremo Vladimir Romanov has hit out at Graham Rix and Jim Duffy.

The Lithuanian dismissed the pair in March, citing poor results as the reason for their sacking.

Romanov, who Rix claimed had picked the team during his time at Tynecastle, insists he gives all his coaches the best chance to prove themselves at the club, but says Rix and Duffy were not up to the job.

"I've given my coaches full control of the team, full rights, and then the games have been lost," said Romanov.

"The only question I'm asking of my coaches all the time is: 'Show me the analysis. Show me the rationale.'

"But never once have I received an answer to those questions.

"It seemed to me that my driver back in Kaunas could have done a better job than Rix and Duffy."

Meanwhile, Romanov has revealed that defender Andy Webster could miss out on a new deal because of his agent.

Romanov has refused to negotiate with any player that is represented by Charlie Duddy even if it means letting go of a vital member of The Jambos' squad.

"In terms of my regard for Andy Webster, I think he and Steven Pressley are the best defensive pairing in Scotland," he added.

"Andy is a fine player but there is just one problem: his agent. I don't think we will be extending Webster's contract while he is being represented by this person.

"Andy wants to play for Hearts but he is also being influenced by his agent.

"There are manipulations, machinations and tricks that are being played. He [Duddy] is playing cheap tricks.

"Andy has a year left on his contract. If he wants to go on the transfer list then that is what we will do. My philosophy is, as soon as a player says he wants to move on, then I try to accede to his wishes."