Vladimir Romanov, the former owner of Hearts, has taken an unexpected turn in his post-football career by residing on a decommissioned nuclear submarine in Russia. The 77-year-old businessman made headlines after revealing that he invested the last of his fortune in the K-19 sub, where he once served six decades ago, following allegations of bank fraud that led him to evade authorities. Hailing from Lithuania, Romanov’s tenure at the Tynecastle club was initially met with enthusiasm as his acquisition prevented the sale of the stadium to developers. However, his leadership quickly spiraled into chaos, eventually resulting in the club’s administration. Known as ‘Mad Vlad’ for his turbulent reign, Romanov now aims to repurpose the submarine into a tourist attraction, as reported by the Record. Recently, he emerged to grant an interview to broadcaster Martin Geissler, shedding light on his current living situation and future plans.
Living on the refurbished nuclear submarine in the remote village of Nikulskaya, located 450 miles north of Moscow, Romanov faces a stark contrast from his days as a football club owner. With a mere population of 17 villagers, the former Hearts owner appears to have found solace in his unconventional abode. Despite having spent approximately £380,000 on the submarine’s renovation, Romanov expressed resignation over the villagers’ resistance to his plans of transforming it into a museum. “That’s my money gone now. My plan was to live on it and turn it into a tourist attraction – a fantastic museum,” he disclosed. “However, the rest of the villagers wouldn’t let me do that, so I just live on it now.”
Romanov’s tumultuous journey from a submarine cook in the Soviet era to a millionaire football club owner is a captivating narrative that has garnered widespread interest. The BBC podcast titled “Romanov: Czar of Hearts,” hosted by Hearts enthusiast Martin Geissler, delves into the enigmatic figure’s rise and fall, offering a glimpse into his past and present. Featuring insights from journalist Brian McLaughlin, who shared a poignant encounter with Romanov prior to his disappearance, the podcast explores the complex persona behind the controversial businessman.
“I received a call saying Vladimir would like to meet you in London. I flew down the next day and I remember him distinctly telling me he had lost all his money,” recalled McLaughlin. “When I asked him about Hearts, he said, ‘One day I will return.’ That night he flew to Moscow and he’s not been seen since.” Despite his elusive nature, the BBC managed to locate Romanov for the final episode of the podcast, where he promises to unveil the untold stories of his tenure at Hearts and the subsequent chapters of his life.
As Romanov’s unconventional post-football odyssey continues to unfold, his decision to reside on a nuclear submarine serves as a poignant symbol of redemption, isolation, and resilience. From the bustling football pitches of Tynecastle to the secluded waters of Nikulskaya, the former Hearts owner’s journey embodies a captivating blend of triumph and tragedy, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of human experience and the enduring allure of reinvention.
