Tynecastle Turmoil: Disillusion sets in as Hearts fans plan demo

Vladimir Romanov probably never encountered any insubordination during his time on a Russian nuclear submarine. The Hearts owner will see plenty today as thousands of fans stage a sit-in at Tynecastle in a bid to restore Steven Pressley to his proper rank.

The Hearts captain was dropped six days ago hours before the game against Falkirk and walked out on the team amid allegations of a plot to strip him of the captaincy as retaliation for his recent act of rebellion.

No one at the Edinburgh club would say on Friday if Pressley would return to face Rangers today. The Hearts fans are too loyal to disrupt the team against their principal rival for second place in the Scottish Premier League, but refusing to move from the stands afterwards ought to drive the point home to Romanov.

Romanov, who has insisted he has no intention of selling the club, now appears to have lost the public support he enjoyed. The Lithuanian millionaire enjoyed a debt of gratitude for saving Hearts from bankruptcy in 2004, but the managerial revolving door - he is about to embark on his seventh coach in two years - and stockpiling of over 30 foreign signings has tried the patience of fans and players.

"Last season we had a great spirit, but the dressing room is now split into cliques," said Julien Brellier, the French midfielder who is also out of favour with Romanov. "There are the Scots, the Lithuanians, the Portuguese." A Cold War appears to have erupted between the natives and the eight Lithuanian players after the latter were impli-cated in seeking Pressley's demotion.

That was confirmed by Jamie McAllister, offloaded by Hearts last summer to Bristol City. "I can't believe what they're trying to do to Steven," said the full-back. "Someone at the club is trying to get certain players to badmouth him."

Paul Hartley was also dropped against Falkirk. The midfielder joined Pressley and the goalkeeper Craig Gordon in revealing the "dressing-room unrest" several weeks ago, and now Romanov seems to be seeking retribution.

"It was a big step to take," said McAllister. "It shows how bad things have become because Steven likes to keep things in-house. I hope the fans see the light. The situation will get worse before it gets better, but it will not be resolved for good until Mr Romanov walks away."

Victory over Rangers would at least give the Hearts fans reason to sit around after the game.