The Missing Link Hearts for All Vladimir Romanov's Assiduity in Grading Players, the Deficiencies of His Squad and Lack of Midfield Bite Are Plain to See. An Early Champions League Exit May, Therefore, Be a Blessing in Disguise, Writes Alan Campbell

Sunday Herald › August 14, 2006

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Summary

AMONG the many insights into the life and times of Vladimir Romanov revealed by a recent television documentary, was his subscription to a database of professional footballers around the world. The Hearts owner had graded the players, and it was just one fascinating facet of a man who, by all accounts, leaves nothing to chance in his business dealings.

It is all the more perplexing, then, that Romanov's eye for detail does not stretch to a balanced Hearts squad. Bulging with defenders, wide midfielders and strikers, the engine of the side has been neglected, as was painfully obvious in Wednesday night's defeat by AEK Athens.

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Extract

The Missing Link Hearts for All Vladimir Romanov's Assiduity in Grading Players, the Deficiencies of His Squad and Lack of Midfield Bite Are Plain to See. An Early Champions League Exit May, Therefore, Be a Blessing in Disguise, Writes Alan Campbell

Being simultaneously denied the services of central midfielders Paul Hartley and Julien Brellier has been unfortunate, but hardly an unforeseeable possibility at a football club. Twice in crucial Champions League qualifying matches at Murrayfield Valdas Ivanauskas has felt obliged to deploy defenders out of position in midfield.

Hearts got away with it agains...

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