Unbeaten in 10 games and sitting top of the league, it was almost too good to be true for Vlad’s new man in the dugout. But as Hearts fans dared to dream of glory the Czar was about to send shockwaves through Scottish football, proving that no one—on or off the pitch—was safe if they stand in the way of his grand plans.

Before his feet are even under the table Vladimir Romanov wastes no time in getting his men through the door. An unknown Russian has appeared in the corridors of Tynecastle and a busload of Lithuanian footballers have arrived at the training ground but does he have the right man in the dugout to fulfil his ambitions?

It’s 2004, Heart of Midlothian are £20m in debt, and selling their ground of over 100 years seems the only way out. The situation is growing increasingly bleak, with fans fearing this move could push the club to the brink of extinction. Then, a mystery ex-submariner steps from the shadows, could he be the saviour they’ve been desperately seeking?

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.