Locke low on bodies but not on confidence

Gary Locke, the Hearts manager, was yesterday able to survey the inexperienced group of players he will work with next term after the Tynecastle squad reported for pre-season training for the first time since the club entered administration.

The club had been used to operating with a surfeit of players under the largesse of the Vladimir Romanov era, but will need to make the most of an eager bunch of youngsters and a hardy group of experienced pros next term.

That number dwindled further last night when John Sutton was made redundant by administrators BDO, clearing the way for the striker to rejoin Motherwell. Marius Zaliukas and Andy Webster were also notable absentees from the club's training ground yesterday, the pair having chosen to move on this summer.

The club's younger players have already assume senior roles in the club's fundraising efforts – the likes of Jamie Walker, Jack Hamilton and Dale Carrick each taking part in a bid to raise the £750,000 their club require to survive until the start of the new season. Their plight could grow were the Scottish Football Association to impose further financial sanctions when they consider Hearts' financial folly, although Locke is desperate that the governing bodies choose to be merciful.

"If we were hit by a hefty fine it wouldn't help the cause, but that is for the administrators and SFA to deal with," he said. "I'm suffering enough at the moment with the numbers we have."

The Edinburgh club have been aided by a five-figure sum from main sponsors Wonga, the pay-day lender agreeing to offer an advance on the remaining monies due from their existing partnership. However, it will fall on supporters to donate further amounts to allow the club to make it through the summer. "We still need the help of the fans and for season tickets to be sold," added Locke.

Taken from the Herald