Plea to supporters

BDO, the administrators of Heart of Midlothian FC, has warned that there are tough times ahead for the club as 14 (nine full-time and five part-time) administrative staff were made redundant and four players (two youth and two senior) are likely to be made redundant.

Regrettably, the job losses were essential due to the immediate need to reduce costs at the club.

Bryan Jackson, business restructuring partner with BDO, explained: "It is never easy to make people redundant but the choices were stark. Without some immediate job losses the club would be unable to operate in the coming weeks. Even with these cuts the club can only be saved if the fans become involved.

"The truth is that there is no cash and no money is due to the club. But I believe that if the fans rally round and support the club then we should be able to prevent any further redundancies and keep the team together.

"There were 10,000 season tickets sold last year and 7,000 already sold (which will be honoured by the administrators) for the coming season. If we can match last year's season ticket sales and sell a further 3,000 season tickets within the next 14 days then we will have sufficient funds to last the next four months and retain the remainder of the playing squad.

"I believe that by keeping the squad together the fans will retain confidence in the club and it will make the team a more attractive proposition for any potential buyers.

"I guarantee that this money will be used solely to fund wages and for the continued running of the club. This gives the fans, who I know have given repeatedly to the club over the last few years, the chance to be directly involved in saving their club."

Jackson continued: "The cost-cutting and the fund-raising from the season ticket sales will provide sufficient cash flow to provide enough time for interested parties to approach us to prepare for the implementation of a Creditors Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).

"But I would urge fans and the wider community to get involved. If you already have a season ticket then you could consider buying a further season ticket for family or a friend. If fans want to donate, organise a fund-raising event, or contribute financially in any other way to the club then, be assured, that this will also help fund the club in the coming months.

"I appreciate that this is a lot to ask but there has already been widespread support from the fans and from the community and we need to translate this into action to raise funds."

Jackson concluded: "I believe that this club, which has such a proud and famous past, is now facing the most difficult fight of its life. We need the community and the city to immediately get involved in keeping Hearts alive as time is not on our side.

"The fact is the appointment of an administrator is only the start of the process to keep the Hearts football team going and that without the fans' support, the future of this club hangs in the balance."

Hearts World