Former Hearts chairman, who is now a season ticket holder in the Wheatfield Stand - from where, he says, there is a better view. He was responsible for bringing in Vladimir Romanov, the Lithuanian investor who has since angered many in football with his autocratic style. What's your best moment with the club?

Being appointed chairman in April 2004. But it was a time of crisis when I arrived. And your worst?

It was resigning at the end of October 2005. I had to try to stop the club selling Tynecastle, I had to find someone to fund the club in future. I brought in Romanov and to begin with we got on well, but when he became a majority shareholder his real character came out. I should have resigned when he sacked George Burley because I disagreed with that. Name your favourite away ground?

Rugby Park is near to where I live and I find the people there very friendly. I know Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston and boss Jim Jefferies - and you get good pies there, too! Who has been the best player at your club over the years?

Probably Dave Mackay, but I admired John Robertson, too. What is your favourite Hearts goal of all time?

Any one of the three scored by Allan Johnston when we beat Rangers 3-0 at Ibrox in 1996. Who was your most influential manager?

Jim Jefferies, who won the Scottish Cup in 1998, and there was Alex MacDonald, but I'd choose Burley. I was so upset at his sacking. I was impressed by how well he motivated the players - if he had stayed, we could have won the league that season. What is your favourite piece of club memorabilia?

I've kept the ticket from the 1998 Cup Final and I have it framed in my office in Edinburgh. Which is your club's favourite kit?

My son has one from the 1950s which is plain maroon with the Hearts logo but no sponsorship. Who is the greatest Scottish player of all time?

Denis Law or Jimmy Johnstone. I liked Jinky's style of play and the skill involved, and he was also a very nice person. What one thing would you change about Scottish football?

I'd get rid of sectarianism. I welcome what Jack McConnell is doing, but we kid ourselves on if we think we are on the brink of succeeding. We do need to look at foreign ownership as well!