Locke back to mayhem

SunSport understands the consortium were ready to put up the £500,000 the Jambos need to see them through the summer in return for a percentage of any future transfer fees raised.

But the offer was taken off the table once it became clear the club had moved to appoint an administrator.

Now gaffer Locke is sweating on whether the group will return with another bid for control of the club.

In a further blow to the board administrators working on behalf of Ukio Bankas are likely to win the battle to have their choice of administrator placed in charge.

Valnetas UAB parent company have already stated they would prefer BDO to handle the process as opposed to KPMG, the Jambos’ choice.

Last night it emerged that parent company UBIG, who own 50 per cent of Hearts shares, are also in favour of BDO.

And that is likely to sway the judge’s decision when the hearing is heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh later today.

Meanwhile, Locke now faces the prospect of losing some of his most valuable playing assets. Motherwell have made their interest known in striker John Sutton — but NOT on the wages he is currently on.

Leeds have registered an interest through an agent in young left-back Kevin McHattie.

Both could make moves after the administration process, which will see Hearts docked 15 points, officially begins.

Hearts are also currently operating under a registration embargo preventing them from signing replacements.

Locke was on holiday in Turkey but he has been in constant contact with the club over the past few days.

He will now head straight for Tynecastle for crunch talks with managing director David Southern and by then the club may know which administrator they will be dealing with.

Gintauras Adomonis of Valnetas UAB insists they would be better served by BDO.

He said: “We have thoroughly analysed the financial and legal framework of Hearts’ case and, taking into account failure by Hearts to cover the debt to HMRC, it now appears that administration is the only option available at the moment.

“We still believe that we should stay with our ultimate goal to defend the interest of the creditors of Ukio Bankas and sell the club to the appropriate investor as soon as possible.

“Thus, we want the administrator to be not only experienced but dedicated to football.”

SunSport also understands a number of Hearts stars would be willing to consider wage cuts in a bid to save jobs at Tynecastle.

But the fear is even that might not be enough to save the futures of a number of the 131 full and part-time staff once an administrator is appointed.

The situation is also being closely monitored by the Foundation of Hearts group as they prepare to make a bid for control of the club. Last night they began the process of converting the 5,000 pledges they have received from fans so far into cash.

Independent Chairman Ian Murray has urged those who have pledged to visit their website at www.foundationofhearts.org in order to receive instructions about how to hand over their money.

He said: “The Hearts supporters have been incredible, and we know they are going to rise to the challenge of allowing us to make a credible bid for control.

“That will help create a supporter-governed, community-focused club which is run by highly professional people charged with ensuring the oldest club in Edinburgh can have a bright future after these difficult days.”