Hearts: Remembering the day 15 years ago Vladimir Romanov sacked George Burley

Throughout life there are those moments which stop us in our track. Something so monumental that years down the line we still remember exactly where we were when we heard the news.

Those moments, whether they impact us directly or indirectly, swing the like the most ferocious of pendulums. It is either tragedy or joy, never somewhere in between.

In a sporting context, that moment came for Hearts fans on October 22, 2005.

Fifteen years to the day that Hearts were preparing to welcome Dunfermline Athletic to a sold-out Tynecastle when the news filtered out and through the clubs' support like a potent mood-affecting virus.

George Burley had a very short but very successful period in charge of Hearts before being sacked with the team top of the table. Picture: SNS

Top of the table after ten fixtures, the manager had been sacked.

The equivalent of jauntily walking along the road, smiling and waving to all who passed, before WHAM, a wayward cyclist has mounted the kerb and sent you flying into the air. A passing seagull relieves itself on you for good measure.

George Burley's sacking, or “mutually agreed” departure, cannot of surprised even the most ardent Hearts supporter due to to the noise which had been increasing in the background regarding his relationship with de facto dictator Vladimir Romanov.

Yet, just because it wasn't surprising, it didn’t make it any less aggravating.

Burley was sacked on the morning of the Dunfermline Athletic match which Hearts won 2-0. Picture: SNS

The day previously, the Russian-born Lithuanian businessman revealed his plans to take private control of the club having been welcomed to EH11 with open arms with his plans to keep the club at it spiritual Tynecastle home rather than a move across the Western Approach Road to Murrayfield and the bleak future that presented.

On top of that were the grand plans to turn Hearts into a league-winning force capable of consistently challenging the Old Firm. War chests, a new Main Stand complete with hotel and Champions League football became part of the parlance in Gorgie, however fanciful.

Fans, delighted to have rid themselves of Chris Robinson and the Cala flats speculation on McLeod Street, largely bought into those plans.

As a supporter, why wouldn’t you? Ambition, hope, excitement, risk even. Ideas which provoke emotion.

There are a number of theories as to why Vladimir Romanov sacked Burley. Picture: SNS

The summer of 2005 was whirlwind for the club has Burley and Romanov put their stamp on a squad built by Craig Levein and altered slightly by John Robertson. For fans it was like being stuck in the Crystal Dome on Crystal Maze, but instead of golden tokens it was big name after big name, optimism, excitement and giant tokens which screamed CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING.

There was the back page of one tabloid which linked the club with moves for the likes of Joey Barton and Radoslav Kovac. If anything it was an underestimation of the ambition in the transfer.

While some unknown players arrived, some who would go on to become fan favourites and legends, there was the noteworthy additions of Edgaras Jankauskas and Takis Fyssas. A Champions League and European Championship winner respectively.

The previous summer the big summer signings were Ramon Pereira from Raith Rovers and Jamie McAllister form Livingston.

Club official at the time, George Foulkes had to address the media. Picture: SNS

The immediate aftermath

Hearts chairman at the time, George Foulkes, claimed that the parting of the ways had been “mutually agreed” and that there were strong differences of opinions between Burley and the board.

Speaking on the morning of Burley’s departure and after installing John McGlynn as caretaker boss, Foulkes said: “It is important that we look to the future. The club is greater than any individual.

"We want to compete with Celtic and Rangers for a Champions League place and we will take the time necessary to find a top class manager.

"Naturally, I'm not happy at having to make this statement but there is no point looking to the past.

"We are determined to go from strength to strength."

Both Paul Hartley and Rudi Skacel had a message of support for Burley. Picture: SNS

Hearts managed to win their next two games post-Burley, a 2-0 win over Dunfermline followed by a 1-0 triumph against Kilmarnock, but their unbeaten run came to halt just a week later when Hibs defeated them 2-0 at Easter Road.

It took until November 7 for Hearts to name a permanent successor for Burley, with ex-Portsmouth boss Graham Rix taking the reins. Sir Bobby Robson had expressed an interest in taking over, although his chances diminished when Foulkes and chief executive Phil Anderton left the club. Rix’s appointment was given a curious slant by Ray Wilkins, who said: "I have no idea what Graham's brief will be and if there will be someone coming over the top of him or what.

"But if that is the case and Graham has taken on board what Mr Romanov has said then he is obviously delighted to be taking the job."

What happened to Burley afterwards?

Burley wasn’t out of the game for long. Just two days before Christmas, 2005, new Southampton director of football Sir Clive Woodward swooped and brought the Scot to St Mary’s.

"Sir Clive has been a world class coach in a different sport and working with him will improve my outlook and also help Southampton,” said Burley.

"I will coach and work with the players, bring players in and let players go. My job has not changed.

"I have a two-and-a-half-year contract and hopefully we can build something here."

Burley stayed with the Saints until January 2008, when he was poached by the Scotland national team. His stint in charge lasted 18 months, coming to an end after a 4-0 defeat by Wales. He has also had brief stints at Crystal Palace and Apollon Limassol, but has not managed since 2012.