Will my son be able to watch Hearts in five years?

In my time as a Hearts supporter, I can't recall a time when the financial management of the club was far from the news. As a youngster Wallace Mercer and his proposed merger was the talk of the day but I wasn't old enough to comprehend it all. Then along came Chris Robinson and his cold, detached approach to the club's fate, willing to sell off the stadium with no long term plan for relocation.

Tynecastle was saved by a Russian born millionaire based in Lithuania. Not just saved, soon propelled to the top of the table with a batch of international quality players.

Questions were always there, but could easily be dismissed as xenophobia or bitter retaliations from journalists stung by Romanov's latest outburst at the Scottish media. The management of on-field affairs was a growing frustration to the fans, managers came and went but at least the funds were there for all the contracts that had to be paid up when Vladimir lost his patience.

But now he has lost more than his patience. A fortune has disappeared, his sporting interests abandoned. Perhaps it was not always destined to be thus.


The cup win over Hibs now seems a long time ago

The financial climate has claimed many a victim. Administration in 2013 does not validate the accusations of financial skulduggery that have dogged Vladimir Romanov since he arrived in Scottish Football.

Administration is here in 2013 though. The creature has emerged from the shadows and sunk its teeth into Heart of Midlothian. The wound is a deep one, 15 points to be deducted before a ball is kicked. No players can be signed but we'll accept offers for anyone. Whatever the playing squad looks like at the start of the season, it has quite an obstacle to overcome. To look on the bright side, at least we know the situation from the get go. Last season Dunfermline had the rug pulled from under them when they went from sniffing around the first division promotion places to fighting for their first division status.

On the business side of things, Administration leaves Hearts a more enticing prospect for bidders. Up to six groups have been credited with an interest and here is the problem, We're in no position to refuse but will we just take anyone? Perhaps the best thing for Hearts isn't owners that can guarantee SPL survival in the short term. This is a chance for Hearts to sort themselves out once and for all. Take the opportunity to start afresh, run the club within its means and come up with a proper business and football model.

If we can't overcome the 15 point deficit, and have to battle Rangers in the first division the season after next then so be it.

When I talk about football and Hearts I want to debate the merits of a second striker over five in midfield. Not balance sheets, CVA's and liquidation.

My son was born 6 weeks ago, in 5 years time I want to take him along to watch a match. I don't particularly care about what division they're playing in at the time. As long as there's eleven players in maroon shirts, some promising Scottish talent and maybe a cult hero or two from abroad then I'll be happy to take him along to his first match.

The most important thing is that Hearts are still here, playing football and with the support of the fans. And any financial nightmares are banished once and for all.

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