Fans’ chief calls for change at Hearts

HEARTS risk supporters pulling the plug on their financial backing for the club unless there is “huge change” at Tynecastle – including the removal of manager Robbie Neilson.

That is the dire warning from fans’ chief Steve Kilgour after a calamitous seven days in Gorgie with the embarrassing Scottish Cup defeat to Highland League side Brora Rangers sparking protests outside the stadium on Saturday. The subsequent 3-2 loss to Queen of the South 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 – despite being 13 points clear at the top of the Championship and within touching distance of the title.

Owner and chairman Ann Budge is also in the firing line because of the apparent downward spiral on her watch. And Kilgour, secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs, fears the club would be prime candidates for relegation again next year unless big changes are made.

He said: “After Tuesday night, we were looking for a big reaction and we saw nothing. I think the performance tells us all we need to know. It’s time for change, huge change.

“Personally, I feel sorry for Robbie. I know Robbie, I like him, I know he loves the Hearts and I know he will be hurting. But it’s time to go. He has to go for the good of the club – and to save his reputation as well.”

However, Foundation of Hearts (FoH), the supporters’ group set to complete their takeover of the club this summer, have not been immune to criticism. FoH chairman Stuart Wallace admitted last week there was now “scepticism” about the future amongst fans and revealed that some had already cancelled their pledges.

Kilgour added: “If they take over in the summer they have to act stronger. Their statement was very weak and I know fans are not happy with that at all. It’s resulted in people telling me they’re stopping their pledges.”