Director Sergejus Fedotovas was a surprise last-ditch 'signing' for Hearts, last night, attending the Platinum Season Ticket holders' Football Management Briefing alongside new boss Jim Jefferies, Billy Brown and Gary Locke.

Taking questions from the 250-strong audience, Sergejus confirmed that the stadium redevelopment project is very much ongoing, with news set to follow in the months ahead.

And the director once again re-affirmed Vladimir Romanov's commitment to Hearts.

On the stadium, Sergejus explained that the priority is building a new main stand, with any commercial development to follow in the next phase.

"We are re-addressing the situation and changing the shape of the proposal given the current economic climate," he said.

"We are looking at a new stand without the additional commercial development on site [in the first phase].

"We are doing the initial calculations and we believe the new proposal can work.

"We are working on the business model now, and we hope to announce the shape of this towards the time of the AGM, or thereabouts."

Sergejus also revealed that the second debt for equity plan he wrote about in his Christmas email is likely to form part of the stadium proposals.

Answering a question from one supporter as to why Vladimir Romanov has not attended any matches this season, he explained that the UBIG President's commitments had made it very hard to be in Scotland, regularly.

Sergejus also revealed that Mr Romanov speaks to officials at the club on a daily basis and is fully in touch of developments taking place.

"On behalf of the board and Vladimir Romanov I want to thank you for your support," he continued.

"It is difficult for Mr Romanov to travel here with his business commitments, but I can assure you he has a full heart for Hearts.

"He provides millions of pounds each season to support this club. This is very important support.

"I want to assure you that he cares for the club and I am really happy his commitment.

"At the end of March there are direct flights to Scotland from Lithuania, so I hope there will be occasions we can see him before the end of this season."

On Hearts.TV today - Watch part 2 of Jim Jefferies' world exclusive Q&A