Hearts fans donate cash to buy out club

A Hearts supporters' group says it has collected cash pledges from more than 4,000 fans willing to support a fan-backed buy-out of the Tynecastle club.

The Foundation of Hearts hope to put together a deal to buy the financially-stricken club from owner Vladimir Romanov.

And their efforts have been buoyed by the news that all four goalscorers from the 2012 5-1 William Hill Scottish Cup final win over city rivals Hibernian have vowed to support their cause.

Rudi Skacel, Danny Grainger, Darren Barr and Ryan McGowan have given their backing and the Foundation is confident it will soon be able to lodge a formal offer.

The Edinburgh outfit's recent money woes have included staving off a winding-up order in December after supporters raised more than £1million to help pay off tax debts.

A £450,000 bill was paid off while Hearts agreed to settle a separate demand by paying £1.5million over three years.

However, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will learn today whether it has been successful with another petition for a winding-up order after Hearts failed to settle a separate £100,000 bill.

Ian Murray, independent chair of the Foundation of Hearts, said: "The momentum is growing, and this latest milestone provides a real sense that we're preparing to enter a crucial phase in terms of converting pledges to cash, and beginning the process of making a formal offer to the board.

"I'm absolutely delighted that iconic figures such as the goalscorers from last year's Scottish Cup final are backing our ambitions to have Heart of Midlothian Football Club owned by the people who love and cherish it best - the fans.

"I can't thank them and all the pledgers enough for their support."

The Foundation will hold a question and answer session with fans at Tynecastle on Friday and Murray added: "Myself and the full Foundation of Hearts team are looking forward to meeting several hundred supporters on Friday night when we'll answer every question put to us."

Taken from the Herald