Romanov: Rix was only option

Hearts chairman and acting chief executive Roman Romanov claims sacked head coach Graham Rix was only appointed in the first place because there was nobody else available.

The former Portsmouth and Oxford boss was something of a surprise choice to take over from the departed George Burley last November.

However, Rix’s tenure at Tynecastle lasted just over four months before his contract was terminated, even though the Jambos are in second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Romanov, son of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, told Hearts World: “At that time, we never had anybody else.

“Graham came in and did a decent job I have to say but not the job we expected. We had a good team and we deserved better.

“He tried hard but maybe it was too big a job for him.

“Hopefully he got some good experience here and maybe he can get better. But I would like to thank Graham for what he has done. He arrived in a very difficult situation and he handled it very well.

“He gave 100%, I’m sure, and tried very hard but it just didn’t happen. Vladimir (Romanov, Roman’s father and majority shareholder of the club) and the board felt that it couldn’t wait any longer because it is a crucial part of the season.”

Hearts new interim coach Valdas Ivanauskas urged the players to ignore yet more turmoil at Tynecastle and focus on the run-in to the end of the season.

He said: “I hope the players understand the situation.

“I hope they will realise what a big chance that they have this season. Everyone understands that we have some very important games coming up, including the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibernian.

“There are eight league games left and we should not lose sight of the fact that we could have a great season, one of the best in Hearts’ history.

“There will be no huge changes, but like every coach I do have some of my ideas and I will implement these.”