A new podcast series from BBC Scotland will investigate the remarkable story of the Vladimir Romanov reign at Heart of Midlothian FC.
Hearts fan and broadcaster, Martin Geissler, will look at how the former Soviet submarine cook became a multimillionaire football club owner and fugitive.
“Working on this podcast has been a labour of love. I’ve followed Hearts all my life and the Romanov years were among the most exciting – and bewildering – that I can remember,” said Geissler, who also presents Sunday Show on BBC One Scotland, and news and current affairs podcast, Scotcast, on BBC Sounds and the BBC Scotland channel.
“To have the opportunity to speak to the people who were there at the centre of it all and hear what really happened has been a privilege and a pleasure. It’s a story which is often incredible, sometimes hilarious, but always fascinating. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
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Geissler will speak to former managers including Graham Rix, Paulo Sergio and Anatoliy Korobochka as well as ex-players Edgaras Jankauskas, Saulius Mikoliunus, Roman Bednar, Andy Webster, Michael Stewart, Ryan McGowan and Paul Hartley.
The podcast also features Sergejus Fedotovas and Liutaurus Varanavicious – who both worked closely with the former Hearts owner, plus Charlie Mann, who was his UK spokesperson.
The first 3 episodes of Romanov: Czar of Hearts will be available from 1st February, with the remaining 6 released weekly.
