Tynecastle delay would kill us, says Archibald

ALAN ARCHIBALD believes a postponement of Partick Thistle’s visit to face Hearts tomorrow would ‘kill’ his side’s season — as they would then face four weeks without a match. Despite City of Edinburgh Council officials taking almost four hours to carry out a third inspection of the £14million new main stand at Tynecastle yesterday morning, they again failed to issue the necessary safety certificate. Once more, builders worked through last night to try to rectify the outstanding issues, and while Hearts remain hopeful they will finally get the go-ahead today, there is no guarantee of that happening. Were the game to be called off after a fourth council inspection at lunchtime, Thistle would face a nightmare four-week gap between their last game — a trip to Ibrox on November 4 — and hosting Hibs on December 2. ‘If the game is called off, then it would absolutely kill us in terms of fixtures because it would mean just one game in November,’ said Archibald. ‘We helped Hearts out in the first place by reversing the fixtures because that gave us a tough November with three away

games to Rangers, Celtic and Hearts. We are in the same boat as Hearts where we just want the game on. Our whole week has been working on the shape of the team to try and win the game. ‘It’s probably more important for us for it to go ahead because we don’t have a game next week either.’ Citing a packed pre-Christmas schedule, Archibald insists there is no merit in the league shoehorning in a rescheduled game further down the line. ‘We have eight games in December as it stands and, if this game goes, then having another one is no use to us,’ he explained. ‘It wouldn’t suit us and we’d fight it.’ Thistle fans had until 4pm yesterday to buy tickets for the Premiership clash but still did not know if the teams would play. ‘The uncertainty over this game isn’t fair on the fans as they might have adjusted plans for the weekend,’ added Archibald. Hearts last night issued a statement in which owner Ann Budge expressed her hope that the safety certificate would be issued today but stopped short of offering any guarantees. It read: ‘I know every Hearts supporter and every Partick Thistle supporter is awaiting the announcement that will confirm or otherwise, whether our upcoming game can be played at Tynecastle on Sunday. ‘I cannot, at this time, definitively say “yes” but I can say that every indication points to the game going ahead. ‘Following our meeting with CEC officials this morning, there are a few elements of work to be completed. Our Construction Management Team is very confident that this will be achieved. A final visit will take place tomorrow at 12 noon.’