Romanov’s reign has not spoiled fans’ appetite for a foreign owner

Published on 05/07/2013 12:00

ALMOST two thirds of Hearts supporters would happily welcome another foreign owner to the club, despite the chaotic reign of Russian banker Vladimir Romanov resulting in financial ruin.

And, almost a quarter consider Romanov’s spell to have been a success, according to our Evening News Hearts fans’ survey.

Romanov has not been seen in Edinburgh since Hearts collapsed with debts of £25million. He is believed to be hiding in Russia after the demise of his business empire which included Hearts’ two main creditors: UBIG (owed £10m by Hearts) and Ukio Bankas (owed £15m). Ukio also hold Tynecastle as security on the debt.

A surprising 63.5 per cent of fans who responded to our survey would accept
a foreign owner, with 
only a third considering 
Romanov’s reign a failure.

Hearts, of course, are currently being run by administrators BDO and a date of July 12 has been set for potential new owners to submit their bids.

One of those will come from Foundation of Hearts, a fan-led consortium which has so far convinced around 4000 followers to pledge funds aimed at seeing the Jambos owned and run by supporters.

Two thirds of our survey’s respondents would like fan involvement in the running of the club with 25 per cent of those wanting complete control for supporters while the others favour fan representation on a board controlled by outside investors. Of fans responding, 30 per cent revealed they have pledged a sum of over £50 per month 
to FoH.

Taken from the Scotsman