 The Riccarton Three media event appears to have been the stumbling block which the Paul Hartley transfer to Hearts foundered. The club have decided to look for other options rather than persuade Hartley to return to play under the Vladimir Romanov regime. The club were talking to Hartley about a two-year deal after he becomes a free agent from Bristol City. However, one report claims Hartley, 33, was unhappy about a request made by the Edinburgh club regarding his involvement in the mini-revolt from four years ago.Hartley, Craig Gordon and Steven Pressley issued a shock statement at the club's Riccarton training ground claiming unrest among the squad over majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov's interference on the football side of the club. The international trio were branded the Riccarton Three and were all playing for other clubs within months. Two weeks ago Hartley revealed his interest in returning to Gorgie but, after talks with the club, the deal appears to have fallen through. He could now join Aberdeen, who have also been trailing the former Celtic player. A Hearts spokesperson said: "Although our interest has now cooled in Paul Hartley, there are five weeks remaining before the transfer window closes. There are still a number of opportunities currently being explored to ensure we can bring in the right person." |