Heart of Midlothian

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

As Hearts embarked on what would turn out to be a truly dismal season in 2007-2008, Vladimir Romanov decided to enter Sok su Zvaigzde - the Lithuanian version of Strictly Come Dancing - because, well, why not?

A national, televised dancing competition must be easier than boxing with 6ft 4in striker Roman Bednar, right?

One fellow competitor was Victoria Emanuel, a former singer with Mango, once one of Lithuania's top girl bands.

"I wouldn't call it dancing. One step forward, one step back, one step forward, like literally nothing was moving," she told Romanov: Czar of Hearts.

"He's not even dancing. He's walking, just walking on a dancefloor. When we started the show, we thought maybe he will go out first."

You'd think the Hearts owner would face harsh criticism from the judges. But this is Vlad we're talking about. He owned a bank.

In the early stages of the competition, he even decided to celebrate his Scottish connections on the show.

Vlad knew Yvonne Irving and her brother from some corporate work at Hearts and he soon shipped both siblings over to Lithuania to join him in the show. He wanted to demonstrate that he wasn't just beloved in his homeland, but in Scotland as well.

Yvonnetells the podcast: "My brother is a world champion Highland dancer. I'm not such a good Highland dancer, but I also play the bagpipes."

Even though she was there for but a week, Yvonne also had an inkling that Vlad would end up winning the series.

"We became good friends with the production team and the presenter," she adds.

"We'd been out for drinks after rehearsals and the presenter said to us, 'You will be here for a very long time.' We said, 'Oh, why?'

"He said, 'Because Vlad will win the show'. We questioned why. He's not the best dancer.

"And he said, 'Oh, Yvonne, he owns the production company, so he will win it.'"

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

There had been plenty of talk about the inclusion of Lennon Miller in Scotland squads before, but James Wilson's name took plenty by surprise.

The striker, who only turned 18 last week, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Hearts and his ascent to the national team - while he still sits his Highers at school - emphasises just how meteoric his rise has been.

Although Wilson made his debut just over a year ago in a Scottish Cup win over Spartans, eagle-eyed fans spotted him in pre-season back in 2023 when he made an impressive cameo against Leeds United.

However, it was really in the first Edinburgh derby of this season that he made his name.

In only Neil Critchley's third game in charge, Wilson was thrown on at Easter Road with Hearts trailing, in desperate search of a goal. Wilson found it, popping up in the right place at the right time to turn home a long throw.

He has gone on to make 24 appearances this campaign, scoring six goals - including a double at Ross County - and contributing two assists.

It could have been a hat-trick, too, in Dingwall as Hearts were awarded a penalty and Wilson stood patiently with the ball tucked under his arm. Sadly for him, the decision was overturned, a mistake the Scottish FA subsequently admitted.

Wilson has started 11 of Hearts' 12 past league games, becoming a vital cog in the turnaround of league form that has given Critchley's side a shot at the top six.

Only Lawrence Shankland and Blair Spittal have scored and created more, although they have also played almost 1,000 more than Wilson.

Perhaps his most impressive stat is his shot conversion. From 13 efforts, Wilson has scored five - the best conversion rate in the league. He picks and chooses when he's going to pull the trigger, and doesn't often miss.

The teenager was called up to the Scotland Under-19s in September last year, having been capped at previous age grades.

He remains eligible for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England but has said previously: "I was born in Scotland, I feel Scottish."

Now he has the chance to become the youngest Scotland player since Tom Wylie in 1890 - and the third youngest of all time.

If you're worried about nerves, just look at Hearts' Scottish Cup win over St Mirren a few weeks ago. The game had gone to penalties, and Wilson stepped up first for the visitors.

Made to wait by goalkeeper Zach Hemming's mind games, he juggled the ball between his hands before placing it on the spot, taking a few steps back, and rocketing it into the top right corner.

Cool, calm, and composed, Wilson has it all to make himself a Scotland regular for years to come.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The performance and more importantly the win over Dundee was crucial in getting the wheels back on track after Hearts' derby defeat.

Any loss to Hibernian hurts and can linger, but praise must be given to Neil Critchley and his team for the way they responded.

When Tony Docherty's side equalised early in the second half it was a test of Hearts' mettle, but another sizzler from Sander Kartum ensured a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

The fans appear to be appreciating this is a team and a squad in transition.

With key defenders Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley out injured long term it ha been a tough introduction for Michael Steinwender and Jamie McCart, who also missed last Friday night through injury.

And when you add in the recent loss of Cammy Devlin, who has been playing the best football of his time at Hearts, the squad is some way off full strength.

But for now Hampden is on the backburner. Full focus now must be on securing a place in the top six for the Premiership run-in.

Trips to Celtic Park and Fir Park come before that as do the visits of Dundee United and Ross County - this weekend - to Tynecastle.

It is a four-game stretch that will have a massive impact on how the league campaign will be judged.

Three wins are certainly achievable and that should be enough to secure a top-half finish. The next month at Tynecastle will be hugely interesting.

Image source, SNS

James Wilson was braced for bad news after being summoned by Hearts boss Neil Crithcley. A few seconds later his "head was spinning" as he tried to take in his debut Scotland call-up.

Wilson and Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller, both 18, are in the frame for Scotland debuts having been named in Steve Clarke's squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header with Greece.

"I found out this morning from the manager. He was kind of playing a little joke on me, telling me I had bad news and that, and then he broke the news to me and my head was spinning," Wilson told Hearts TV.

"I actually just spoke to Craig Gordon as we came in from training. He was saying that I might have to sing a song or something like that, but no, they'll be a really good group.

"They'll look after me, he'll look after me, so it's good.

"It's just over a year ago now that I made my debut, and then really I've only started playing a lot of minutes in the last three, four months. It's just been a crazy couple of months, I guess.

"It'll be just special. That's what you dream of. That's what every kid in this country is playing for and wants to do. I'm looking forward to it. Can't wait."

Scotland boss Clarke revealed Wilson made a big impression on the Scotland coaching staff last year.

"He's someone who catches your eye, runs behind, looks to score goals, which is a great trait. We're always looking for goalscorers. He's got a few in the Premiership this year," said Clarke.

"I actually brought him into one of the camps last year. We were short a couple of bodies and brought a couple of young boys into the camp. James was one of them and he caught our eye just in a short training session.

"He's playing week in, week out. He's got good pace about him, good enthusiasm. Another one that I think can have a big future, but for now is to come into the squad and see how he measures up."

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

If, as the old footballing cliche goes, you're only as good as your last result, then Neil Critchley will have had one of the most relaxing and enjoyable weekends of his tenure.

There were many pointed questions launched in the direction of Critchley and his Hearts players following the derby defeat, but it's fair to say everyone bounced back in the 3-1 win over Dundee to book a trip to Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Two wonderful Sander Kartum finishes ultimately proved decisive and while I know there's been comparisons to a certain midfielder from foreign shores with a sweet left foot, let's not declare the heir to Sir Rudi Skacel just yet.

The one thing we as Hearts fans can do though is decide on the best song to chant in tribute to Kartum. I've heard about three different versions and following his heroics in the quarter-final, he certainly deserves that.

We now have a repeat of the 1996 semi-final against Aberdeen. I'll take a repeat scoreline of 2-1 to Hearts, but there's over a month of football to be played first so we can't get ahead of ourselves.

Matters now turn to securing top six and we've got Ross County at home on Saturday, who are also in the running.

County's away record this season has picked up. And our debacle in Dingwall - collapsing to a draw with two late goals conceded - should be be motivation to make amends.

Image source, SNS

James Wilson has received his first Scotland call-up for this month's Nations League play-off double-header against Greece, but there is no place for Hearts team-mate Lawrence Shankland.

Forward Wilson, who only turned 18 last week and qualifies for England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, is a surprise inclusion having not made an appearance for the Under-21s.

However, he has impressed for Neil Critchley's revitalised Hearts, scoring six goals in 24 games this season.

The teenager is joined by veteran Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who is expected to retain his starting berth because of another injury to Norwich City's Angus Gunn.

Gordon, 42, has rejuvenated his international career which appeared over after he failed to make the squad for Euro 2024.

Shankland did travel to Germany last summer on the back of his impressive campaign for the Jambos, but has struggled to rediscover that form.

Read more on Scotland squad announcement

Hearts' Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 42, says "everything" will shape the decision on his future, including his international involvement and his physical condition. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Hearts and Aberdeen will meet in the Scottish Cup semi-finals next month.

The tie will be played at Hampden on the weekend of 19-20 April.

Holders Celtic face St Johnstone in the other semi-final.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock teenager Bobby Wales is an "elite striker" who should be fast-tracked into the Scotland squad along with Hearts forward James Wilson.

That's the view of Scottish coach and football analyst John Walker, who would rather see Wales, 19, and 18-year-old Wilson named in Steve Clarke's squad on Tuesday for the looming Nations League play-off with Greece than Ipswich Town's George Hirst, who has been linked with a call-up.

"Anyone that's seen Wales play football up close knows he has absolutely everything, he is an elite striker and should be playing at the level that Hirst is playing at," said Walker on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The more you see of Wales the more I'm impressed, he's got everything, absolutely everything.

"He's an aggressive presser, he's got pace, he's brilliant at bringing people into play, he's got a great finish, he's really composed in front of goal.

"Him and Wilson, the sooner you get them into the squad, the sooner those two progress their careers, because the reality for Scottish football needs to be that we are feeder clubs for bigger stepping stones.

"Wilson and Wales are people that will feature in the national side going forward, I think you just get them in now.

"You're just kicking the can down to get Hirst in at 26, 27, for him to potentially be around for four years.

"At some point you need to stop, but this is the problem. Steve Clarke's got the carrot in front of him of you need to get to a World Cup, so maybe he's looking at it only in this cycle alone and [thinks] Hirst gives me the best chance to do that just now."

Sander Kartum says his match-winning double for Hearts against Dundee on Friday was "to honour" his grandmother, whose funeral took place back in Norway on the same day. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

As Romanov shifts his focus to exciting opportunities back in Lithuania, what does this mean for the future of Hearts?

With mounting debt and the club on the brink of the biggest game in its history, his increasingly hands-off approach raises serious questions. While he is off participating in Lithuania's Strictly Come Dancing no less.

Will his absence lead to disaster, or can Hearts still defy the odds and thrive?

Episode eight of Romanov: Czar of Hearts is now available on BBC Sounds - listen and subscribe here

We asked for your views on Hearts' 3-1 Scottish Cup win over Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: A must-win game so I'm glad to come away with the victory but there is a lot to be frustrated by too. Our defending can be so amateurish and is costing us at vital times. Elton Kabangu needs to be less wasteful and seems to be constantly offside. With a little more composure all around we could have less nerves and more enjoyment. On to Hampden.

Anon: A far better display from Hearts, Lewis Nielson had a man of the match display, subs made a difference also in second half when Dundee came back into the game. Another nine league games played like that should see us into a top four spot.

Jim: Impressive win. Sander Kartum looks a real find, tall, athletic, fast, skillful and scores quite good goals! With Cammy Devlin back soon alongside him we are building an exciting midfield and with options up front, could be an interesting end of the season. Back three/four stills needs work but will be interesting to see how we do against Celtic away in two weeks.

David: A fantastic cup tie, end-to-end stuff, two fantastic finishes from Kartum. Beni Baningime was magnificent, back to the player he before the injury.

Peter: Those two marvellous goals from Kartum reminded me of Rudi Skacel. If Kartum proves to be of Skacel's ilk, we could be in for a very interesting time!

Brian: A good win, but for me it's [about] regular, steady playing and results against teams we really should be winning against. lets hope this is the turn around. Been a diehard Jambo for 64 years, I've followed through thick and thin.

Image source, SNS

Hearts' Scottish Cup quarter-final hero Sander Kartum says he is getting "better and better" everyday, having bagged his first goals for the club since joining in January.

Kartum scored a goal either side of half-time in the 3-1 win over Dundee as he helped Hearts navigate their way to Hampden for the semi-finals, both of them long-range strikes of real quality.

"Yeah, I agree," the January signing from Brann said on comments form head coach Neil Critchley that it had been taking him some time to get up to speed.

"It was tough to come here and start training again, but now I have trained for two weeks, no, two months. And I'm getting better and better each day."

The 29-year-old midfielder was full of praise for the Tynecastle atmosphere and is now looking forward to his first Hampden outing.

He added: " Yeah, it was huge to get the first goal. And the atmosphere was fantastic. So, yeah, special moment.

"We got the first goal, 1-0, and came back in the second half. Poor start for us in the second half, and we bounced back. So it's a huge win."

HIs team-mate James Penrice, who has been a standout for the side this season, was also feeding off the atmosphere and reckons it's one of the country's best.

Penrice told BBC Scotland he was: "Buzzing. The boys were brilliant tonight, it was fully deserved.

"We stood up to Dundee. Sander Kartum's two goals were brilliant tonight.

"It's so evident that this ground's one the best grounds in Scotland when the noise is for us."

Image source, SNS

The draw for the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup will take place on Monday after the Livingston v St Johnstone game (19:45 GMT kick-off) on BBC Scotland.

Hearts have already booked their place thanks to a 3-1 win over Dundee.

Aberdeen host Queen's Park on Saturday - live on BBC One Scotland - and Hibs visit holders Celtic on Sunday.

Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum scores his first Hearts goals in style as Neil Critchley's men dispatch Dundee 3-1 to become the first team through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals. (Available to UK users only)

Did you take in Hearts' 3-1 Scottish Cup win over Dundee, or were you following from home?

Have your say on the match, external

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley: "The players showed a lot of character, a lot belief in what we were doing and on balance of chances, we deserved to win the game.

"We've seen the quality Sander Kartum has got. He's been getting better and better in training. On his left foot around the edge of the box, that's what he can do. They were two fantastic goals, match-winning goals.

"The players have been improving and taking big steps forward and we keep doing that tonight. When we get to Hampden, hopefully we can go and enjoy that game. I can't wait because I've never been. Really looking forward to it."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland at Tynecastle

Hearts head to Hampden as worthy winners in the end against Dundee, thanks to two wonderful strikes from Sander Kartum.

The 29-year-old Norwegian has taken time to settle in at Tynecastle after his January move from Brann but if his two strikes from distance are anything to go by then the home fans may have another favourite to cheer on.

The victory sets up things nicely for the season run-in but attention now has to turn towards securing a Scottish Premiership top-six spot.

Ross County are next up in the league before a trip to champions Celtic. The Scottish Cup can wait for now.

Image source, SNS

January signing Sander Kartum announced himself to the Hearts faithful with two excellent goals in their Scottish Cup quarter-final win.

Image source, SNS

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

28 July 2007. Hearts have decamped to Murrayfield for a very special game.

They're playing the mighty Barcelona. A match everyone wanted to play a part in - including the owner.

Vladimir Romanov turned up at the ground with a Hearts jersey in hand, his surname emblazoned on the back.

Mark Donaldson, former head of sport for Radio Forth, recalls: "Vladimir Romanov wanted to be on the bench for that game.

"He wanted to name himself as a sub and he wanted to come on, he wanted to play in that game. It's against Barcelona, it's massive.

"Thankfully that didn't come to pass."

The reason that didn't come to pass was down to Anatoliy Korobochka, who was co-manager at the time with Stephen Frail.

"There was an incident when, 10 or 20 minutes before the match, a representative of the football club came up to me and asked me what if Vladimir is picked up and plays," Korobochka tells BBC Scotland's Romanov: Czar of Hearts podcast.

"I refused point blank. I said not under my watch."

With Romanov confined to a watching brief in the stands, Korobochka couldn't stop Ronaldinho and his fellow Barca superstars beating Hearts 3-1.