ANN’S RAGE
From Back Page months that the Jambos would be unable to play any home matches until the completion of their new £12million main stand on September 9.
The Tynecastle outfit fully expected that to be reflected when the fixtures were released yesterday.
However, it is understood that unimpressed Hearts chiefs were only informed on Thursday – less than 24 hours before the list was released – that they would initially be handed home matches to play before the construction is finished due to limitations in the way the fixtures are generated.
They are now in talks with Kilmarnock and Motherwell – whom they have been scheduled to face at Tynecastle on August 12 and 26 – and it is expected both clubs will be receptive to a switch of venues.
But the Jambos still believe fans are being short-changed by the decision to hold the first two derby clashes on Wednesday evenings – at Easter Road on October 25 and Tynecastle on December 27.
This season will see the city rivals clash in the top flight for the first time since 2014 after Hibs sealed promoted last term.
And Budge said: “It is fantastic to have the Edinburgh derby back.
“I’m disappointed that the first two derbies are evening games. Again, we will see if anything can be done about that.”
In the unlikely event Hearts can’t come to an agreement over the home games in August, it is thought the SPFL will afford them special dispensation to postpone both fixtures.
But that scenario would leave Ian Cathro’s side with a tough start to the season with fixtures against Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen.
In a statement, a Hearts spokesperson said: “The club previously agreed with the SPFL that no home games would be scheduled for Tynecastle prior to September 9. However, the computer model used by the SPFL couldn’t accommodate this scheduling.
“Therefore, although the published fixture list shows Hearts are due home matches in rounds two and four, there’s an agreement this will not be possible.
“We have been assured by the SPFL that this is not an issue and our fellow Premiership clubs have all been very co-operative and sympathetic to our position.”