Laszlo not mad with Vlad over team talk

Aug 24 2008

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo insists he's happy to let owner Vladimir Romanov talk to his players on a match day.

The controversial chairman addressed the squad following last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

Romanov is reported to have told keeper Steve Banks he had been dropped as he could no longer be trusted.

Banks has since been demoted from first-choice keeper and coach to youth keeper assistant.

This prompted fresh debate over who calls the shots at Tynecastle.

During the summer Romanov stated he was ready to take a step back from meddling in team affairs and handed control to Laszlo.

But despite the latest in a long list of interferences from the Russian-born banker, Laszlo is adamant he has no problem with Romanov's appearance at games.

He said: "I didn't hear anything in the dressing-room last week. I don't know if it happened, I wasn't there.

"But why shouldn't I be happy for the owner to speak to the players?

"I am pleased if Mr Romanov comes into the dressing-room to talk to the players.

"We are all delighted if Mr Romanov is here."

The Jambos continue their new regime under Laszlo with Wednesday's CIS Cup fixture against Airdrie United at home.

And despite Hearts' encouraging start to his reign Laszlo assured the fans there will be no complacency against the Diamonds.

Csaba added: "It's not important which division the team comes from.

"If you think the team is from a lower division and you don't take them seriously you will lose."