Hearts appeal is filling Tynie

HIGH-FLYING Hearts today revealed that Tynecastle crowds have soared more than 44 per cent when compared to corresponding fixtures last season.

This weekend's visit of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which is again heading for a sell-out, will take the total attendance for the current campaign to almost 150,000.

Hearts has been playing to capacity home crowds for every one of the team's eight Bank of Scotland SPL league games this season with the increased attendance being helped by a modern-day record 12,500 season ticket holders.

Chairman Roman Romanov has praised the supporters for the backing they have been giving the team since the summer, insisting the fans have been like a "12th man" for the Jambos as they maintain their tilt at the championship.

While the Gorgie outfit have increased the availability of match-by-match tickets by extending use of the Roseburn stand for home fans, the figures underline the requirement to cater for more Hearts fans than is presently possible.

The club, which has lost only one game in the league this season, is restricted by capacity limitations at the ground. With crowds currently averaging over 16,500, Hearts hope to relieve the capacity issue with the redevelopment of the main stand.

Talks are continuing with the Edinburgh City Council and the related parties.

Romanov, who is also Hearts' acting chief executive, said: "Our supporters have been our 12th man. They come in their thousands to Tynecastle and create a fantastic atmosphere as well as travelling all over the country.

"This level of support, coupled with a well-resourced team of top players, provides a very strong foundation on which we expect to build a truly great club."

Buoyed by the huge increase in attendances this season, the Lithuanian, who is the son of owner Vladimir, has reiterated his desire to reward the Gorgie faithful for their support by establishing the Jambos as a major force in European football.

"We will not be distracted from our vision for Hearts and it will be these supporters above all else who will be rewarded," he said.

Reports surfaced yesterday claiming the Jambos would have to finish in the top two in the SPL to hang on to Rudi Skacel, the player who has signed a year-long loan from Marseille. Hearts, though, have stressed that is not the case.

"No player's contractual position is based on the club's final position in the league this season," said a spokesman.

Taken from the Scotsman