Director's U-turn on fans jibe

Supporters reacted furiously to Thursday’s statement that appeared to point the finger at punters who had stalled on renewing season tickets.

With sales already down on last term, the Jambos revealed they must scrape together £500,000 to see them through the summer.

The begging bowl has again been brandished to fans who raised almost £1million to plug the last sizeable shortfall.

Director Sergejus Fedotovas said: “The supporters were instrumental in saving the club and keeping it going last year.

“Maybe the statement is not quite clear but, as I read it, it is quite clear.

“It is not the supporters to blame. It’s the uncertainty that’s to blame.

“This situation impacts on the revenues of the club. I can’t imagine how supporters can be blamed for this threat.

“The message the board put forward is not to blame anybody, it’s to provide reasons.Events in Lithuania have caused this impact. Unfortunately that’s the reality and we’re looking for the solution.

“People who are looking to turn this club against its supporters are trying to ruin this club finally.

“I’m not sure who is behind it, but there is not even a hint that supporters can have any dealings in this situation.

“We are working very hard to get this situation fixed and we are speaking to a few potential investors who can come in and change this situation, whether it is lending money or in some other ways.

“It cannot be in any way stated that the supporters are to blame.”

Meanwhile, Hearts’ decision to put their squad up for sale will have no effect on main creditor in Lithuania Ukio Bankas, who are owed £15m.

A spokesman for the bank’s administrators in Lithuania said: “We are aware that Hearts have made their players available but this makes little difference to the situation here.

“Ukio Bankas takes the view that the best scenario is for Hearts to keep operating as a footballing concern.”