In a must-listen interview, the Czar of Hearts, Vladimir Romanov himself chats to Martin Geissler about his time in charge of Hearts and what has happened since he left Edinburgh. Why did you buy Hearts? Why did you sack George Burley? And do you live in a submarine? Martin asks the questions that fans have wanted answers to for over 10 years.CREDITS
Presented by Martin Geissler
The voice of Vladimir Romanov in Episode 10 was performed by Grant O’Rourke
The entire series – all 10 episodes – was produced by James Christie
The series producer was Stephen Hollywood
Graham Russell was our story consultant and script editor
Research by Jack Herrall with help from Brian McLaughlin
Our excellent music was composed by Joel Cox who also looked after the sound design.
Initial development was done by Jack Kibble-White and Martin Conaghan
Our production management team was – Mhairi Anderson, Elise Mulford and Danielle McLaughlin
And the commissioning editors for BBC Sounds and BBC Scotland were Gareth Hydes and Heather Kane-Darling
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45:18
9. While Romanov Burns
Hearts are in administration and for the second time in less than 10years they are in desperate need for a saviour. At the same time Vladimir Romanov is facing his own problems as the Lithuanian authorities close in on him and his financial irregularities. Can the club be saved and what does the future hold for The Czar of Hearts?Contains Mild Strong Language
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46:16
8. While the Vlad’s Away
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 its biggest game in its history, his increasingly hands-off approach raises serious questions. Will his absence lead to disaster, or can Hearts still defy the odds and thrive?
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42:32
7. The Captain, The Goalkeeper and The Penalty Taker
“There is significant unrest in the dressing room.”When Steven Pressley, Craig Gordon, and Paul Hartley, three of the most respected players in the dressing room, took a stand against the Czar’s chaotic rule. They knew there would be consequences. What they didn’t know was just how far he would go to crush their rebellion.
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37:00
6. The Flu, The Witch and the Pyjama-man
Vladimir Romanov rewards his cup winning team with a preseason to remember. Joining them are two new coaches who arrive from eastern Europe plus his interference spreads beyond the pitch and into the medical department. All of which leads to the one of the most unbelievable press conferences football has witnessed.
Martin Geissler investigates Vladimir Romanov's rise from Soviet submarine cook to millionaire football club owner and fugitive in a gripping tale of ambition, power, and chaos.
Netherlands