Foulkes feels JJ return was planned

29 January 2010 20:44
Jefferies was back at the club he managed between 1995 and 2000 barely two hours after they announced Laszlo's departure.[LNB]That has raised suspicions the former Kilmarnock boss had agreed to take over prior to Friday night.[LNB]Foulkes was chairman at Tynecastle from April 2004 to October 2005 before resigning in protest at majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov's decision to dismiss chief executive Phil Anderton.[LNB]He said: "It's an obvious choice: first of all, because of his previous connections with Hearts; secondly, because of the fact he was unemployed and would be looking for a job."[LNB]Jefferies left Killie earlier this month after his relationship with chairman Michael Johnston broke down.[LNB]Romanov has fallen out with almost all of the eight managers he has appointed since taking over the club almost five years ago.[LNB]Foulkes added of Jefferies: "I think he's doing it with his eyes open and I think he'll know all the constraints there.[LNB]"Perhaps he hopes he can overcome them.[LNB]"It won't be easy but he has a lot of experience.[LNB]"He's seen how other managers have operated and have difficulties with the owner and I think he'll be prepared for it.[LNB]"I think he'll be welcomed by the majority of fans.[LNB]"Some will have hesitations but I think the majority, including me, will welcome him."[LNB]Foulkes branded Laszlo's departure "inevitable".[LNB]"There have been problems in terms of his relations with the players and it's clearly not been a happy ship," he said.[LNB]"It was always clear that he seemed to be angling for some exit strategy.[LNB]"For a while, he did very well.[LNB]"But it's clear also that he's been one of a long line of people who don't find it easy to work with Romanov.[LNB]"It's surprising he managed to survive for so long.[LNB]"People had been getting increasingly frustrated with his tactics on the field recently and wondered if he had been playing a game between him and Romanov.[LNB]"Some of the team selection and tactics were strange, to say the least."[LNB]Among the factors believed to have contributed to Laszlo's sacking were touting himself for other jobs and repeatedly bemoaning the club's unwillingness to sign players.[LNB]Foulkes said: "I can understand his frustration and he has been frustrated.[LNB]"I like him; he's basically a good coach, he has been good with the fans, he has been liked by the media because he's been quite voluble and approachable.[LNB]"It's always difficult when you're dealing with an owner who, first of all, is hardly ever there and who, from afar, intervenes and interferes not just in buying or not buying a player that is needed urgently, but also in some cases the tactics as well.[LNB]"That must be very difficult for any self-respecting manager."[LNB][LNB] St. Johnstone v Hearts To Win Both Halves: Hearts 9/1  

Source: Team_Talk