Losing Hearts: Club faces rebuilding outside top flight

At one point during the close season, just fielding eleven players against St. Johnstone on August 3rd would have been classed as a victory. Yet Locke must look beyond that and try to form a side capable of avoiding relegation from the top flight.

"There's no doubt about it, we've got a thin squad, we've got a very young squad," Locke told BBC Radio Scotland.

"It is going to be a very, very big ask. If we can avoid relegation this season, that's as big if not better an achievement that winning any cup."

With an average age of just 22, Locke will hope that other clubs keep their hands off of his prized assets, including midfielder Jason Holt. Nottingham Forest have already seen two bids for the 20-year-old rejected and the Tynecastle club have stated that 'due to the incredible efforts of the fans, the club does not need to sell their talented players for below market value'.

The effort of the fans has been crucial to the survival of Hearts as they prepare to announce the successful bidder for the club. The Foundation of Hearts fan group, backed by over 5,000 supporters, are favourites to take over the club having received support from American based group Club 9 Sports. It is down to the fans that the club has had success in fighting the creditors and SFA to date and their support will continue to be pivotal as the season wears on.

Yet it could still not be enough to secure another season of SPL football. A transfer embargo continues to make things difficult for Locke and means the nucleus of his side will be young and inexperienced.

Only three of the 22 players available have played over 100 matches and can only count on Ryan Stevenson to provide goals on a regular basis.

Despite the financial circumstances, relegation could be dealt with but remaining in the lucrative SPL is obviously where Hearts want to be playing their football. However, the prospect of playing in the second tier for the first time since 1983 looks increasingly likely. As the club look to rebuild for the future on more sensible terms, a stint at a lower level could allow the club to return to the top flight fighting, with a fresher, more experienced group of players.

Southampton, Leicester and Crystal Palace have proven that returning after financial hardship can be achieved – and Rangers and Livingston are making their return from disaster so there is reason to be optimistic for Hearts. Once this season is over with then surely Hearts can start to look up again and only worry about matters on the pitch.

Written by Tom Wellman of www.football-rumours.net

http://www.theawayend.net/