Gary Ralston: Hearts fans know things are really bad when even Albert Kidd feels sorry for them

WHEN the man who denied Hearts the title back in 1986 has sympathy for the club, then things truly are in a bad state, says GARY.

THE ARCH nemesis of Hearts has offered his full support to the club in their hour of need.

Albert Kidd will forever be remembered by Tynecastle fans as the man who denied them the Premier League title in 1986.

Alby lives in Adelaide these days – no, he wasn’t chased there by irate Jambos – and even 10,000 miles away he can see the problems afflicting Scottish football clearly.

The former Dundee striker is genuinely saddened by the plight of Hearts after they plunged into administration with debts ?of £25million.

Alby said: “Regardless of what I say about the Hearts situation, it may very well be misinterpreted due to the happenings of 1986.

“However, rest assured, I’m extremely disappointed for the club and sincerely wish them well in climbing their way back to financial security.

“Hearts are a truly professional and proud club and I’m sure former players such as Gary Mackay, John Robertson, Walter Kidd, Kenny Black and Co will be gutted.

“Hearts are a great club with a lot of history and they have my sincere best wishes in their current plight. Good luck to the Jambos, I hope they return to the levels we have all seen over the years.”

Apparently, Alby once got talking to Billy Connolly during one of the comedian’s tours of Australia and the Big Yin didn’t have a clue who he was.

Once it was whispered in his ear, the keen Celtic fan was gobsmacked to be in the presence of the man who had inadvertently gifted the Hoops the title.

Alby, now 51, was thrown on as a sub midway through the second half of the game against Hearts at Dens on May 3 1986 in place of full-back Tosh McKinlay with the score at 0-0.

Hearts only needed a point to take their first title since 1960 but Dundee also had plenty to play for as a victory could have given them a place in the UEFA Cup.

In the end, Celtic’s 5-0 victory over St Mirren at Love Street, coupled with the Jambos’ defeat, handed Davie Hay’s side the title.

Alby added: “I must ask why clubs such as Hearts continually bring in foreign players that are usually second rate, not a cultural fit, demand high salaries and, in many cases, do not have a smidgeon of feeling or passion for their club.

“I was back in Scotland last month and witnessed similar goings on at Dundee. The conversations I had were all about the demise of Scottish football and the financial dilemmas most clubs are facing these days.

“They should be audited more regularly to ensure they are ahead of the game and in a sound financial position.

“Financial bonds should also be set in place. Not only would this protect the clubs from themselves but also protect player livelihoods.

“A new model for Scottish football needs to be created by the authorities, otherwise clubs will continually over spend and put our great game in a position of jeopardy and disarray.”

Stop it Alby, you’re beginning to make sense and that will never do in this football madhouse.

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POOR Stan Thomson, tracked down again by yours truly earlier this week after a rare brainwave in the midst of the Hearts chaos.

Stan was happily pictured in Record Sport seven years ago showing off his new Hearts tattoo, with the name of Jambos owner Romanov etched in ink between his shoulder blades.

Now he’s consulting with one of his inky pals to have it covered, maybe even as early as next week.

Stan works as a DJ at top Edinburgh music venue Bannerman’s on the Cowgate, where it’s not only Rod Stewart who has been reflecting that the first cut is the deepest.

To add insult to injury, pictures of his tattoo, taken when Stan was on holiday in Magaluf three years ago, have been doing the rounds on the internet.

Stan said: “Rival fans have been slagging me off online and I don’t deserve it. It’s quite upsetting, actually. I’ll always support Hearts, even if we have to start all over in the Third Division.

“Who knows, we might enjoy our football again if we’re watching them at different grounds every second week.”

Taken from the Daily Record