Deadline day for Hearts hopeful

The identity of Hearts' next owner may be clearer tomorrow as all 
three bidders have to submit proof of 
funding to the administrators.

Despite uncertainly over their offer, HMFC Limited, which has Peebles businessman Bob Jamieson as its sole director, are refusing to rule themselves out.

Administrators BDO set a deadline for fans' group the Foundation of Hearts, former Livingston chairman Angelo Massone's Five Stars Football Limited and HMFC Ltd, which also involves US investment company Club 9 Sports, to deliver the finer details of their offers. FOH have 
put forward £2m for a Company Voluntary Agreement, with £3.75m, through a monthly direct debit scheme, available for working capital. It is thought HMFC Ltd's offer is £1.8 and £3.2m respectively, while Massone – who led Livingston into administration in summer 2009 – is said to have tabled £4m.

Administrators BDO are understood to have serious doubts over Jamieson's credibility, and the club's former shirt sponsor has already been forced to deny a rift with the American investment company. Jamieson has already said HMFC Ltd would move from Tynecastle to a new 25,000-seater stadium.

Dave Anderson, a former City of Edinburgh councillor, is lending a hand with HMFC Limited's bid. Anderson, the author of a 2011 
council report stating refurbishing Tynecastle "was not a viable option", has suggested they are not about to throw in the towel. He said: "We're not going to make any definite comment until we're in a position to. Bob is correct that Club 9 Sports are looking at how best to formulate the bid. We don't think it makes any sense to conduct this publicly through the press. We are working towards the deadline."

Former councillor Anderson was suspended last year from his position as director of city development in the wake of corruptions claims in his department. He later resigned to set up his own company and the council, following an internal investigation, appeared to exonerate Anderson of any wrongdoing.

Hearts captain Danny Wilson, meanwhile, should return for the 
pre-season match against Crusaders on Thursday after a thigh injury kept him from playing over the summer. The 21-year-old took part in the warm-up ahead of Saturday's 
goal-less draw at Queen of the South and will travel with the squad for their mini-tournament in Northern Ireland this week.

Hearts will also take on a Liverpool XI on Saturday at the Oval, home to Glentoran, and the club's manager, Gary Locke, is also hopeful that youngster Callum Paterson will continue his return following a foot operation in January.

Taken from the Herald