The signs should have been taken seriously when George Burley
left the club last October, after 11 unbeaten games in charge. He
seemed to be doing well, winning the manager of the month award
twice in a row.
However, his departure revealed an uneasy relationship with club
owner Vladimir Romanov. The Lithuanian businessman later sacked two
board members and brough in some of his associates, including his
son Roman.
Graham Rix was later appointed manager of the Edinburgh club, but
soon lost his job. Reports had surfaced that Rix told players
Romanov was pulling the strings. Former FBK Kaunas manager Valdas
Ivanauskas was named caretaker-manager, but subsequently got the
job on a permanent basis when Hearts finished second in the
SPL.
Last month, Ivanauskas went on leave, citing health concerns. His
duties were covered by sporting director Eduard Malofeev. Before
the match against Dunfermline, Romanov warned his players that they
would be transfer-listed if they did not perform well. Club captain
Stephen Pressley issued a statement voicing the players'
unhappiness with the way the club was run. His revelation of
"significant unrest" at the Tynecastle dressing room was supported
by goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Two days ago, Pressley was stripped of captaincy. Teammate Paul
Hartley, who was at Pressley's side when he read out the statement,
was dropped to the bench.
Belarussian Malofeev remains in charge despite not winning any
matches. Ivanauskas looks set to return when he recovers, much to
the fans' annoyance.