Heart of Midlothian Supporters Trust

A Statement regarding the future of Heart of Midlothian Football Club

To say it has been an eventful 2 weeks is clearly an understatement. However the HOMST Trust board have met and feel it is important that we express our view on the situation and put forward our opinion on the way forward.

Since the start of the season we have enjoyed the most remarkable resurgence in our clubs fortunes. The feel good factor was back and the Hearts family are united after many years of uncertainty and difficulty. Being top of the league and watching quality international players in front of full houses at our spiritual home is something we could not have imagined a year ago. It is therefore understandable that most of us flocked to welcome the new regime and gave our full support to the management team that were creating such an enjoyable experience.

However recent events have caused many supporters to hesitate and question what the present regime’s agenda really is. The recent departure of key members of the new management team (Manager, Chief Executive and Chairman) during such a period of success seemed incredulous. This feeling of dismay and doubt has been fuelled by a sharp, media frenzy of rumour, innuendo and in our opinion a great deal of misinformation. This in some way is understandable given the fact that Hearts have challenged the Scottish football establishment both on and off the park and the decisions taken were unexpected and decisive and for many people perceived as ruthless.

What we have found unpalatable is the vitriol directed at Vladamir Romanov and his family by certain sections of the media and others who do not have the good of the club at heart. We do not understand fully why this should be the case but concluded that it seems to be based on the fact that Vladimir Romanov’s business methods and cultural roots are not indigenous to Scotland. This opinion is emphasised by the fact that similar decisiveness and ruthlessness was displayed some three weeks ago at Rangers FC yet it only merited a few column centimetres in the national press.

The HOMST board have considered where we are and what our options for the future are. Are we satisfied to return to the position of where entry into Europe and a potential cup win is the fulfilment of our ambition? Additionally are we prepared to return to an atmosphere of uncertainty, disengagement and conflict? Was the intensity and commitment of the SOH campaign worth that? Alternatively are we prepared to grasp and support an opportunity that is being presented to us which offers a vision of success and expansion? Can we muster the energy and enthusiasm to travel on a hazardous and uncertain journey that could go beyond anything we have experienced as Hearts supporters? Is it a risk worth taking?

The HOMST board have carefully considered these issues and concluded that while we are saddened at the departure of key personnel and the manner and timing of events we have, as supporters of Heart of Midlothian, a passion and a desire for the football club to be successful. Throughout this season we have experienced a very small measure of what that would bring. We have always felt that we have an untapped potential to achieve much more than we have in the recent past.
In this context we have decided to support and urge Hearts supporters to back the vision and plan the present regime have to offer.

We have not reached this position through blind unconditional loyalty to our Club. We have based our decision on information and recent discussions with representatives of the club and an objective analysis of the reality of our football clubs position and potential.

We were encouraged by the tone, candidness and atmosphere of the discussions that took place with club representatives and the other supporter organisations. There was recognition by the club that the circumstances and outcomes of recent weeks were a genuine cause for concern for Hearts supporters. We accept that the board genuinely believe the difficult decisions taken were in the best interests of the club.

Moreover the board made it very clear that supporter involvement and cooperation was a fundamental part of Vladimir Romanov’s plans. They accepted, welcomed and wanted to develop a paper we had submitted 4 weeks ago relating to one of the key HOMST objectives of supporter representation on the board. They also made it clear that regular and structured communication with the 4 supporter organisations is an important aspect of the Club’s plans.

Given those facts and considering the discussions that took place (a full minute will be available for public circulation) the board of HOMST have reached the position of accepting that what is done is done. We believe that there are no longer any positive benefits to our club from trawling over the reasons for and behind the decisions made. The last few weeks have demonstrated that. We feel there is an opportunity and time to move on. Players, staff and management of our club will come and go but the supporters remain the constant core and key to the club’s success. So we reiterate our view that it is now time to support the players, staff and board and contribute in what ever way we can of uniting together to make Heart of Midlothian Football Club a success.

Be part of the future.

Heart of Midlothian Supporters Trust