Mckinlay’s family Hearts roots go back to the club’s founding fathers
● New chief executive’s great, great grandfather scored v Hibs in cup final
Hearts’ new chief executive Andrew Mckinlay has revealed how one of his ancestors was a founding member of the club back in 1874.
Mckinlay’s great, great grandfather, George Mitchell, also scored against Hibs in a cup final and is one of the most notable figures in Tynecastle history. Mitchell’s involvement began a family association with the Edinburgh club which will now continue after owner Ann Budge appointed Mckinlay as CEO.
The former Scottish FA and
Scottish Golf official explained how his connection to Hearts dates back to the very origins of the club.
“In many ways, you could argue that this is like me coming back home,” he told the official Hearts website. “My great, great grandfather on my father’s side was one of the original members of Heart of Midlothian Football Club back in 1874.
“He was actually one of the players when they won the Edinburgh FA Cup in 1878 after a fourth replay. I’m glad to say we beat Hibs 3-2 in that fourth replay and he was one of the scorers. I have a family connection right back to the beginning of the club, so it’s wonderful to be here at the other end of the history of the club.”
Mitchell also featured as Hearts won the 1879 Presidents Cup and helped the club establish private grounds in Powburn and Powderhall before retiring from first-team football in 1880.
“I know how big this club is, how important it is in a Scottish football context. To have the opportunity to come here as chief executive is just a real privilege for me,” added Mckinlay.
“It’s hard for me to tell you how much that excitement is. To come into the home changing room, you get a real sense of what it’s about. I can only imagine how excited the players will be to get back in here.
“Ann and I have known each other for a few years from my time at the SFA. I was involved there when Ann took over the club and I’ve worked on a number of things with her.
“When Ann asked me if I was interested in coming here, I was delighted to hear that. We’ve had a lot of discussions about the way we will work together. By and large, Ann will focus on more strategic projects to really take Hearts to the next level. I’ll do more of the day-to-day things. Ann will be there to help me and I hope I’ll be there to help her.”
Mckinlay’s knowledge of Scottish football’s governing bodies is something he plans to use to help Hearts after recent legal battles with the Scottish Professional Football League.
“I spent six years at the Scottish FA and we dealt with a lot of interesting issues during my time there. I think it’s fair to say you felt you were more of a firefighter than anything else as you went from one crisis to another,” he said.
“I know how the SFA works, I know how the SPFL works, I know all the main people involved in those organisations and I’d like to hope that is something I can bring to Hearts which will be helpful for us going forward.”