HEARTS have refused to comment on reports that owner Vladimir Romanov had addressed the squad which fell to a 2-0 defeat to Rangers on Saturday to tell them that goalkeeper Steve Banks could no longer be trusted to play for the club.
Banks began the season as the Tynecastle team's No 1 and goalkeeping coach, but he has now been relegated to the role of coaching the club's youths and his days in Gorgie appear to be numbered.
News that Romanov has stepped in to sideline the 36-
year-old, apparently likening him to 'Riccarton Three' rebel Steven Pressley, would belie new manager Csaba Laszlo's insistence last week that he was calling the shots on the goalkeeping position.
The arrival of Marian Kello from the Romanov-sponsored FBK Kaunas prompted Laszlo to deny Romanov had forced the player on him, but the demotion of Banks, a move the player himself is said to be upset about, would suggest otherwise.
Laszlo was known to want a clarification of Banks' position at the club, preferring him to choose between playing and coaching, but the alleged comments made by Romanov in the Ibrox away dressing-room on Saturday suggest deeper issues.
"Banks cannot be trusted, same as Pressley could not be trusted, same as (Andy] Webster could not be trusted," Romanov was quoted as having said to the assembled squad.
Supporters chiefs are said to be privately concerned at the latest reports of perceived meddling from Romanov in playing affairs, only weeks after it was announced the Russian-born banker had pledged to allow Laszlo full control.
However, until they investigate the millionaire's apparent intervention at the weekend, they are unwilling to pass judgment publicly.
Likewise, Hearts yesterday decided against adding to the controversy by insisting the matter was not something they would comment on.
On Saturday, Laszlo explained Banks' removal from the team which defeated Motherwell 3-2 on the opening day of the season and confirmed Romanov's intervention.
He said: "Steve has a new job. He has a new agreement with the sport director and with the owner. The decision has been made to play Jamie in goal and in the future Steve Banks will be the new goalkeeper coach. He will be on the training staff. We must make a decision and now the owner is here, and we have made a very clear decision, and I think a very good decision for everybody."
