Hearts plea response 'encouraging'

Nov 8 2012

Hearts have received an "encouraging response" from fans following a plea for emergency financial backing, according to a director of the football club.

The Edinburgh-based side has urged supporters to buy tickets to home games and subscribe to a £1.79 million share issue to help fend off a winding-up order from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over a £450,000 tax bill.

The club, which is currently attempting to negotiate a payment plan with HMRC over the matter, warned that its home match against St Mirren on November 17 could be its last. However, it said that its ticket centre and online store have been doing "brisk business".

In a statement on the club's official website, director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "It was not easy for the board to write that statement yesterday, but we find ourselves in a very difficult situation at the moment. This is a very tough period for Heart of Midlothian FC and we need the fans to back the club as much as they can.

"The demand for the tickets for St Mirren has picked up and the priority is to sell this game out as well as Celtic and Aberdeen. There has also been a lot of business done in the shares department, which again is great to see.

"But make no mistake, these are extremely tough times for everyone associated with this famous football club and only with the help of the supporters, the lifeblood of the club, will we be able to come through them."

Local politicians Marco Biagi and Margo MacDonald issued a joint statement asking HMRC to "give the club breathing space in order to address the financial situation".

Independent Lothians MSP Ms MacDonald said: "I remember when the existence of Hibs was at risk, at that time to a hostile takeover.

"When I chaired the Hands Off Hibs rally in the Usher Hall, a representative group of Hearts fans were there to show solidarity with us. They knew, and I know, that the capital needs its two big teams so I am repaying the favour."

Mr Biagi, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central, added: "Last year at the cup victory parade you couldn't move for crowds of supporters in Gorgie. There can be no question that Hearts are held in deep affection in the local community and far beyond."