Skipper receives SPFA backing

The SPFA have backed Hearts captain Steven Pressley after his shock statement.

The Scottish Professional Footballers' Association have backed Steven Pressley after the Hearts captain took the unprecedented step of issuing a statement that described 'significant unrest' amongst the playing staff at Tynecastle.

Pressley read a statement to the assembled media on Friday which expressed deep concerns about the state of affairs at Vladimir Romanov's club.

The defender was flanked by fellow Scottish internationals Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley - sparking talk of a mutiny at the Edinburgh outfit.

With the club apparently in turmoil, SPFA secretary Fraser Wishart has praised the Hearts' playing staff for their professional attitude despite the problems at Tynecastle.

"Over the last couple of years the professionalism, conduct and commitment to Heart of Midlothian FC by the players has been exemplary," said Wishart.

"Under difficult circumstances, they have managed to continue to be successful on the field of play.

"As all those involved in football know, the relationship between the head coach and the players has always, and will continue to be, the most important at a football club.

"It is clear, however, following recent events the players feel that stability at the club and a clear strategy with regard to the way forward at the club is now necessary."

Former Hearts chairman George Foulkes has also entered the debate, urging Romanov to heal the divisions which are threatening to tear the club apart.

"I have a great respect for Steven Pressley," said Foulkes.

"He is a highly intelligent and responsible person and he would not have made the statement he did lightly.

"The time is now for the people in charge at the club to realise the only way forward is a co-operative way with the owner, the management, the players and the fans working together and recognising that it involves some degree of compromise.

"And, just because you own the majority of shares in the club, it does not mean you can ride roughshod over the players and the fans.

"Everyone at the club is really grateful to Romanov for the money he has put in, the commitment and the energy he has shown.

"But, equally, he should respect the commitment of the fans who now pack the stadium every week and the players, particularly the Scottish players, who work their guts out for the club.

"It is only if the atmosphere at the club is restored to some degree of peace and stability that we will achieve the ambitious targets he has rightly set for the club."