Rix not picking team, say players

Post by **Dazza** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:30 am

Hearts head coach Graham Rix is no longer selecting the side, according to several of the first team squad.

BBC Scotland has learned that Hearts players want a meeting with Vladimir Romanov, after Rix revealed the club owner is picking the team.

One player told BBC Scotland that Rix had said: "Romanov is pulling the strings, picking the team including the substitutes and has total control."

Another player claims Rix told him: "Mr Romanov is picking the team."

Meanwhile, the agent for Andy Webster has told BBC Scotland that he has ended negotiations over a new contract for the Scotland defender.

Webster has been dropped to the bench for Tuesday's visit to Dundee United and is not happy with the way team matters are being run.

Charlie Duddy said: "Negotiations over a new contract for Andy have been brought to an end permanently. We will not be re opening them."

Webster 17 months to run on his current deal.

"I am picking the team," said former Portsmouth manager Rix, when he was unveiled at Tynecastle on 8 November.

But it appears he has surrendered control of the 35-man first-team pool.

Rix was brought in to replace George Burley, who left the club amid reports of meddling from Romanov.

The Lithuanian banker has been responsible for several of the many new faces that have arrived at Hearts since he arrived in Edinburgh just over a year ago.

And, if he has been picking the team, he has been doing a pretty good job.

Hearts sit second in the SPL table, eight points behind leaders Celtic, and Tynecastle is full to capacity for almost every home game.

They are also firm favourites to win the Scottish Cup, having reached the last eight, while Celtic and Rangers have fallen by the wayside.

But supporters may be anxious to hear of unrest among players and the coaching staff.

Riviera · Post by **Riviera** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:31 am

This is by far the best soap opera at the moment, at this rate they'll clear up at the soap awards

Ojc · Post by **Ojc** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 7:06 am

If he had'nt wound up Burley and would'nt mess around with the team then they might actually be still challenging Celtic for the title.

Dubai Blue · Post by **Dubai Blue** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:29 am

Challenging ? They were ahead weren't they ?