Vlad will keep wide of Mark

May 25 2008 By Gavin Berry

FORMER Hearts chief George Foulkes believes controversial club owner Vladimir Romanov will not meddle in first team affairs if Mark McGhee is appointed the new manager.

The Tynecastle club made an approach for the Motherwell gaffer on Friday as they search for a boss capable of making them a force once more.

Foulkes has witnessed the destruction caused by Romanov's interference having been there when George Burley left amidst controversy in October 2005 after leading Hearts to the SPL summit.

Romanov is renowned for flexing his muscles over first team matters but Foulkes believes he could adopt a hands-off approach.

He said: "I think Mark McGhee will want to be sure and so will the fans that Romanov has agreed to give him complete control of tactics, training and other areas.

"To be fair, Romanov has changed over the last few months.

"I think there is a likelihood he will give a new man full control compared to this time last year.

"There will still be scepticism though until we see it in practice.

"He has not appeared to be interfering as much with Stevie Frail in charge but the proof is in the pudding."

Foulkes, who resigned soon after Burley's exit, is keeping his fingers crossed Hearts' approach for McGhee succeeds following two under-achieving campaigns.

He said: "If Mark can do it at Motherwell he can achieve a great deal more at Tynecastle. There will be no limit to what he can do."