'I didn't sack Burley, he ran away'
Former Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov says he "didn't fire" George Burley and instead the then-manager "ran away" following a meeting at Tynecastle.Romanov's story at Hearts has been chronicled in BBC Scotland's Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast, with the final bonus episode including the first UK interview with the Lithuanian-born businessman in more than a decade. Burley's side made a storming, unbeaten start to the 2005-06 season and sat top, meaning many tipped them to win the title before his abrupt sacking by Romanov."Honestly, under my leadership, even a housewife could have achieved results because of the structure I put in place," Romanov said, dismissing the importance of Burley and his assistant Simon Hunt to that incredible start."I didn't fire him, though. It wasn't easy to come to an understanding with Burley. "I even offered him a contract, but he acted as though he was stepping out for a smoke and then disappeared altogether. "That's the story I'm sharing with you now. But let's not overanalyse or frame it in the wrong way."However, Romanov did concede that focussing on matters on the pitch should have been his priority and not focussing on "scandals".Nevertheless, the news of Burley's exit was a shock to Scottish football onlookers, let alone those in Gorgie on the Saturday morning when it happened, with a game against Dunfermline Athletic to come in a few hours' time."I didn't make a decision, he ran away," Romanov added."When he realised that I was aware of all the nuances and details, the situation became clear. Looking back, I should have focused on finishing the season instead of getting caught up in scandals."Throughout the interview with host Martin Geissler, Romanov routinely lashed out and would often go on bizarre tangents, or simply give an answer to a different question and not the one asked.Romanov, now living in Moscow and wanted by Interpol, said he uncovered a plot within the club, orchestrated, he believed, by Burley and Hunt, whom he calls thieves.He added: "On top of that, I began investigating a plot and uncovered something serious. "There were two thieves within the team, and unfortunately, this isn't uncommon in football. These individuals were stealing players and working from within, ultimately destroying the team."Rights to reply were given to those named and can be found in the bonus episode on BBC Sounds
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