Gordon enlists supporters in battle to topple Old Firm

MARTIN GREIG May 10 2006

Craig Gordon, the Hearts goalkeeper, yesterday claimed that the club's growing fanbase is further proof that they are closing the gap on the Old Firm off the field as well as on it.

The Tynecastle club, who held off the challenge of Rangers to finish second in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague and seal a place in next season's Champions League qualifiers, offered another 1000 season tickets to supporters this week after selling out every home game this season.

Hearts have 12,500 season ticket holders and have sold out their 32,000 allocation for this weekend's Tennent's Scottish Cup final against Gretna at Hampden.

Gordon insisted the growth in interest surrounding the club is a further challenge to the Old Firm's long-held domination of Scottish football.

"It shows the support that Hearts have, with the number we are taking to Hampden," said Gordon.

"It shows that we're not that far behind Rangers and Celtic in making the step up to challenge them, not just on the park.

"If Hearts are playing good football and can put a decent team on the park who are going to challenge, we have a big fanbase who will come out to support us."

The Vladimir Romanov era at Hearts has engendered a belief that, unlike their Scottish Cup victory in 1998, this season's achievements can be the platform for a sustained challenge.

Gordon said: "Mr Romanov has come in and backed us financially, not only to keep the players here but to look to re-develop the stadium. It has been a very quick turnaround. If we can continue that way, then we can challenge next year too.

"Most of the main guys who have played this season are contracted again for next year. We've got more or less the same squad and, if we can add one or two more quality players in certain areas, hopefully we can improve on this season and beat one of the Old Firm teams to the title."

Hearts are overwhelming favourites to lift their first trophy since 1998 and Gordon claimed that the prospect of writing their names into the club's history is a huge motivation for the players.

"We're 90 minutes away from it being a great season and us becoming legends at this club," he said. "The guys are desperate not to let this opportunity slip past.

"Elvis [Steven Pressley, the club captain] has never won anything at Hearts and he's desperate to do so.

"A win on Saturday would give us a medal and a trophy and could be something that you look back on at the end of your career and say you've achieved."

Taken from the Herald