Ian Murray MP to head Hearts’ fans takeover bid

Published on 24/04/2013 08:44

A LABOUR MP has been identified as the figurehead to unify Hearts supporters as they bid to wrest the Gorgie club from Vladimir Romanov.

Ian Murray MP, who represents Edinburgh South, is set to be appointed this week as the independent chair of an umbrella body of fans’ groups ahead of possible takeover talks with the Lithuanian businessman.

Mr Murray became embroiled in last year’s financial crisis at Hearts – which threatened to tip the club into extinction – when he held talks with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs who had issued a £450,000 winding up order for unpaid Paye and national insurance.

He helped secure an extension to the payment deadline imposed by the tax authorities.

A spokesman for the fans’ groups said: “The six key Hearts supporters’ groups met at Tynecastle and agreed that a united solution is required towards supporter ownership and governance.”

Mr Murray will spearhead discussions for: Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs, the Foundation of Hearts, Heart of Midlothian Shareholders’ Association, Heart of Midlothian Supporters’ Trust, Hearts Youth Development Committee and Save our Hearts.

Taken from the Scotsman