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Romanov is on the look-out for a new Hearts manager

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has been urged to be more open about his decision making at the Edinburgh club.

Charlie Mann, former spokesperson for Romanov, told BBC Sport: "Vladimir wants less communication than there has been over the past few months.

"I don't feel that's right. I think he needs to be telling the fans and the media what his thoughts are.

"He needs supporters to buy into his dream but he must tell people what the dream is."

Mann's company have represented Romanov since the Lithuanian-based banker arrived at Tynecastle in early 2005.

The ties have now been severed but Mann believes Hearts can thrive under Romanov's leadership.

"I think his long-term ambition for the club is very strong," he added.

"But it's important to communicate that message.

"And if can't do that on his behalf, then there is not much point in me working for him."

Romanov is a founder member of FBK Kaunas in Lithuania and has an interest in Belarussian club MTZ-Ripo Minsk.

And Mann thinks Romanov has struggled to adapt to life in the Scottish Premier League.

"There is a clash of cultures," he explained. "In his background you don't need to be as open and as communicative as we are used to in Scotland.

"He needs to change that. He need to tell people where he is going with the club.

"The problem is he sometimes sees conspiracies where there are no conspiracies and under those circumstances he re-trenches back and says 'I don't want to talk to anybody'.

"When you don't talk to people, other people start seeing conspiracies when there are none. So it's a never-ending cycle."

Several managers have come and gone under Romanov's stewardship and last season's caretaker boss Stephen Frail is set to be the latest casualty.

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Frail is expected to leave the club after being asked to stay away from the club's pre-season preparations.

"That's part of the issue," said Mann. "Stevie's been told to go on gardening leave and we don't know why.

"The fans are being asked to spend money on season tickets. Vladimir has to understand that.

"But it's easily fixed. Come out and let's talk.

"Let's get a manager in position, let's get the club back to where it was a couple of seasons ago.

"The potential is still there. Hearts still have the ability to challenge the Old Firm and become a hugely successful club in Scotland."