Source: Team_Talk
No splitting Old Firm - McCall
Motherwell manager Stuart McCall doubts any team will split the Old Firm this season - despite Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov's ambitions.[LNB] Romanov this week set his players the goal of winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and director Sergejus Fedotovas revealed manager Jim Jefferies had been removed from his post because they could not accept third place as good enough.[LNB]Hearts started the season with a 1-1 draw at Rangers but Jefferies was replaced by Paulo Sergio little over a week later.[LNB]Sergio started with a 4-1 Europa League win over Hungarian side Paks on Thursday night - which set up a clash with Tottenham - and gets his first taste of SPL action when hearts visit Motherwell on Sunday.[LNB]McCall admits Hearts are best placed to challenge Celtic and Rangers, but he added: "I still think it's difficult for any team to split the Old Firm and I think most people would say that.[LNB]"But Hearts had a terrific run (last season), I think they won 10 out of 11 and then just faded off in the end.[LNB]"They've got the strength in depth which most clubs are envious of - two players for each position.[LNB]"The strength is there and the quality is there, but I think it's a big ask. Them and Dundee United will be favourites to finish third.[LNB]"But who knows? If they can consistently hit the form that they hit for a spell last season.[LNB]"And who says Mr Romanov isn't looking to provide more funds for the new manager and might have earmarked some player? But they are a good side, that's for sure."[LNB]McCall played under Jefferies and assistant Billy Brown at Bradford but he was unwilling to criticise Romanov's decision ahead of the game.[LNB]"It happens in football and I'm sure Jim and Billy understand it and accept it - especially working at Hearts," McCall said.[LNB]"I was at the game the other night and from the first whistle the crowd got behind the team and behind the new manager and they got the victory.[LNB]"I'm not saying Jim and Billy will be forgotten but it's a new era and they will move on."
