RYAN STEVENSON
Budge must show some leadership
HEARTS fans’ chief Steve Kilgour claims the club risk supporters pulling the plug on financial backing unless there are huge changes – including sacking Robbie Neilson.
The embarrassing Scottish Cup defeat by Highland League side Brora Rangers sparked protests outside Tynecastle three days ago.
The 3-2 loss to Queen of the South that afternoon did nothing to improve the mood of those in maroon.
Neilson has been at the centre of much of the anger, with some calling for his second spell in charge to be brought to an end.
That’s despite the club being 13 points clear at the top of the Championship.
Owner and chairman Ann Budge is also in the firing line because of an apparent downward spiral.
And Kilgour, secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs, fears the Jambos would be prime candidates for top-flight relegation again next year unless there are massive improvements.
He said: “After Tuesday we were looking for a big reaction and saw nothing.
“The performance tells us all we need to know. It’s time for huge change.
“Performances have been poor for a while. I could count on one hand the number of good ones this season. It’s been a real concern among all fans, the standard of our play.
“I know plenty of guys who said Robbie should never have been back at the club. I feel sorry for him. I know Robbie, I like him, he’s a great guy, I know he loves Hearts and will be hurting.
“But, I’m sorry Robbie, it’s time to go. He has to go for the good of the club and to save his reputation as well.”