VLADIMIR ROMANOV today thanked Hearts fans for their understanding after almost 80 per cent delivered their overwhelming support to the controversial majority shareholder.
The results of an exclusive Edinburgh Evening News survey have revealed that four out of five Tynecastle regulars welcomes Romanov's involvement in the club, and the Russian banker has spoken out to express his gratitude at the response.
The vast majority of supporters concur with Romanov's criticisms of the Old Firm and Scottish referees, although many disagreed with his handling of Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley and Craig Gordon after their infamous Riccarton Three media statement last October.
There is also a widely-held belief that Hearts' team performance and morale has fallen this season compared with last year, however the formidable 79.1 per cent backing for the Romanov regime remains the most startling statistic to emerge from the survey.
When informed of the results, Romanov said: "While Hearts have such great fans, we will always have a great club. I think our fans understand everything - and this inspires us all."
A spokesperson for Romanov added: "We have discussed the Evening News survey results in some detail and the fact that it suggests that four in five Hearts fans still strongly support his involvement with the club is extraordinary in light of the recent media onslaught he has faced.
"Our view is that it shows most Hearts fans understand his aim to rebuild the club and bring it success. He is as hungry as ever for success but this can take time.
"He and UBIG [Ukio Bankas Investment Group] have stressed at length their commitment to guaranteeing the club's long-term financial position and the whole project is much more about long-term success rather than short-term gain."
Romanov believes the dip in team morale this season can be attributed to a transition period at Tynecastle. The spokesperson continued: "The squad is being rebuilt and despite some problems this season there are many good omens for the future. We believe that morale will improve.
"No matter where you are in the world or which team you support, morale is always better when your team is winning games - and Vladimir Romanov is not a man to be deflected by short-term problems while the club is in the process of major transition to create a viable force to challenge Celtic and Rangers in the long term."
Hearts were equally enthused by the survey results. A spokesperson for the club said: "Naturally we are delighted with the backing shown by the fans for Mr Romanov. Everyone working at Hearts is doing so as we understand that we are in the early stages of a plan that will deliver real results for the club in the long term. The Hearts supporters clearly also share the vision and that just makes us all the more determined to reward their faith."
Meanwhile, midfielder Laryea Kingston has apologised publicly for his conduct at Pittodrie on Saturday when he received two red cards, the first for two bookable offences and the second for calling referee Steve Conroy a racist.
"I am extremely sorry for the events on Saturday afternoon," Kingston told the official Hearts website. "While I am still disappointed at the decision for the second yellow card, I must express sincere regret at the comment I made of the referee. It was completely out of character and is in no way part of my make-up
"I will, at the earliest opportunity, apologise to Mr Conroy as I feel I over-reacted and I would hope that my record since coming to Scotland and my future conduct will demonstrate that I am only interested in playing top-class but fair football."
Hearts reserves lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock at Forthbank yesterday.
Gary Wales, the former Tynecastle forward, scored the goal as Hearts defender Jose Goncalves made an impressive comeback from a troublesome ankle injury.
• See the poll results hereThe full article contains 660 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
