Phil's free for all

HEARTS plan to allow fans in for free when Middlesbrough visit Tynecastle next week.

The club wants to throw open the gates for the glamour friendly with the English Premiership outfit as a gesture of thanks for their support during the most turbulent period in the Jambos' history.

The innovative idea is the brainchild of chief executive Phil Anderton and talks over the operational logistics of the plan are ongoing with Lothian and Borders Police.

Steve McLaren will bring his star-studded 'Boro side to Gorgie on Wednesday, July 20, for what will be new manager George Burley's first home game. With it being the Jambos' only home match prior to kicking off the SPL campaign against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, a big crowd is expected.

However, should Anderton's idea be rubber-stamped by authorities, there is likely to be a huge clamour for seats. Speaking exclusively to the Evening News from Hearts' training base on the outskirts of Dublin, Anderton revealed initial details of the fans "freebie".

"We are planning to allow the supporters into the match free of charge," he said.

"We ask a lot of them and this is meant to be a gesture of thanks as there have been a lot of turbulent times at the club recently."

The club is still involved in discussions over safety issues with police but Anderton is hoping to be given the green light later today after the latest round of talks and is looking for a positive response from all concerned.

He said: "Middlesbrough are a big Premiership side and the match will be George Burley's first game at Tynecastle.

"We would like to see as many fans as possible turn up and I'm sure they will want to see the game and get a taste of what should be an exciting season ahead."

With Burley working feverishly to bring in new faces ahead of the league season, a number of new signings could well feature against the Riverside outfit.

Precise details of admission for the match will be confirmed later this week following the police talks and fans are urged not to bombard the club with queries about the game in the meantime.

"We will have a better idea of what will happen after speaking to the police again," said Anderton.

"The details are still being finalised but tickets will be required to gain entrance at the turnstiles and these will have to be picked up in advance."

Following the Middlesbrough clash, Hearts travel to the KC Stadium to take on Hull City on Saturday, July 23, in their final warm-up game before heading to Ayrshire to meet Kilmarnock in a testing opener to the new season.

Taken from the Scotsman