Neilson thankful for ‘phenomenal’ Hearts backing
HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson has hailed the club’s fans after season ticket sales soared through the 10,500 barrier.
Despite the Gorgie side being consigned to the Championship following the controversial ending to last term, supporters are continuing to back the club in their droves.
The Foundation of Hearts, who are set to become the club’s new owners, have also processed over 2000 new or increased pledges and one-off donations since football was halted in March.
The number of fans buying season passes for the new term is a significant financial boost to the club and Neilson is also looking forward to welcoming supporters back into Tynecastle when lockdown restrictions are eased.
Neilson said: “The fans at Hearts are always phenomenal and to get that backing is great.
“It’s the uncertainty of what is going to happen and what the season is going to look like when the fans are going to get back in.
“We just hope we can get them back in as soon as possible and they can give us the backing that they’ve given us over the years and are continuing to do just now.”
Neilson, meanwhile, insisted he will give midfielder Loic Damour the chance to revive his Hearts career.
The Frenchman signed a four-year contract from Cardiff City last summer but failed to make an impact in a struggling team last term, making 13 starts in the curtailed top-flight.
Damour is back training with his team-mates at the team’s Oriam base and Neilson, who replaced Daniel Stendel in the dugout in June, has challenged the 29-yearold to prove he can be an important part of his side.
Neilson said: “Loic had a difficult season last year. He admitted that himself.
“He has come in to do preseason and we will assess him like everyone else. If he does really well, there will be an opportunity there for him.
“We give him every opportunity, of course.
“It’s important we look at everybody because last year was very difficult for everyone.
“There have been a lot of changes going on and it’s a chance for people to impress.
“We have a long pre-season for them to impress in and they will all get opportunities. Loic is no different.”
Meanwhile, Neilson has been reunited with Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest after naming the pair as his assistants.
Former Scotland and Rangers midfielder McCulloch and one-time Livingston player Forrest have both signed deals that will keep them at Tynecastle until 2023.
The duo both played an integral part in Dundee United winning last season’s Championship title under Neilson.
A Hearts spokesperson said: “Robbie Neilson has bolstered his backroom team with the appointments of Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch as first team Assistant Managers.
“The duo have both signed contracts until 2023 and will once again link up with Robbie, having worked with him at Dundee United.
“Everyone at the club welcomes Gordon and Lee to Hearts as we eagerly anticipate beginning the 2020/21 campaign.”
Neilson, who left the Tannadice club to take up his second spell as Hearts boss in June, also has Paul Gallacher as his goalkeeping coach at the Gorgie outfit.
Ex-Kilmarnock manager McCulloch initially started out as United’s striker coach but later became an assistant manager at the club.