Another programme award

Hearts' matchday programme has picked up another award after being voted the best in Scotland.

The publication came out on top in the awards run by London-based Soccer Club Swap Shop.

It is the second such accolade for the club in a matter of months after landing www.gpfootball.com's top award.

Praising the club for its programme content, SCSS's Phil Watkins said: "A programme is often the first thing that a fan will set eyes upon on entry to a football ground and a good-looking one can often put the supporter in a good mood which can help with their enjoyment of the match experience.

"Supporters look for news on their club, not only first team but reserves, youths, ladies and like to see statistics. Different writers giving a different slant on football is welcome. Some have very amusing writers who have a big following, while a good, solid opponents section is also appreciated by all buyers of the programme.

"Advertising can be the make-or-break of a publication as well, too many and the matchday experince can take a turn downwards so a fine balance is required.

"Recently it has been noticed that fans are begining to like the pocket-sized publication like the programme at Hearts, which is easy to store whilst watching the game and less likely to get folded.

"The Hearts programme has a good blend of all the above added to the size, which is what gave our judges the chance to mark it as a winning programme."

Programme subscriptions for the new season are available now from the Heart of Midlothian FC Ticket Centre or 442 Sports Marketing Ltd.

Hearts World