In a revealing interview on BBC Scotland's Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast, former Heart of Midlothian owner Vladimir Romanov disclosed that he offered Craig Gordon a blank cheque to reject a move to Celtic. This startling revelation came as part of Romanov's first UK interview in over a decade, shedding light on the inner workings of Scottish football during his tenure.

The Blank Cheque Strategy

Romanov recounted how he convinced Gordon to stay with Hearts despite interest from Celtic. "I told him, 'If you don't believe me, here's a blank contract. Write down the amount you want.'" Gordon, incredulous, wrote down a substantial sum, which Romanov approved without hesitation. This bold move ensured Gordon remained at Hearts, highlighting Romanov's unconventional management style.

Psychological Challenges

Romanov also touched upon the psychological fragility of Gordon, describing him as "psychologically weak." "If things didn't go well, he'd get physically sick, sometimes even vomit," Romanov revealed. Despite these challenges, Gordon's talent was undeniable, and Romanov eventually sold him to Sunderland for a then-record £9 million.

Burley's Departure

Additionally, Romanov addressed George Burley's abrupt departure from Hearts. Claiming that Burley "had a heavy drinking problem," Romanov suggested that the manager "ran away" when confronted with the issue. This claim, however, was disputed by Burley's assistant, Simon Hunt.

The Legacy of a Czar

Romanov's tenure at Hearts was marked by bold decisions and blunt assessments. From offering blank cheques to critiquing referees and managers, his impact on Scottish football remains a topic of intense discussion and debate.

For more insights into Romanov's controversial era at Hearts and the broader implications for Scottish football, listeners can explore the full podcast series Romanov: Czar of Hearts.