Budge ‘delighted’ as Hearts turnover set to grow by £1m

● Owner lauds home-grown young talent but concedes club ‘not where we would hope to be at this point in the season’

0 Ann Budge said there were ‘great things to shout about’, such as Harry Cochrane (below). put down the best pitch possible but with new drainage, water systems, new undersoil heating etc, this will not come cheap,” Budge warned.

The club has launched its season ticket campaign today in a bid to help fund the “next phase of developments and improvements”.

Budge explained: “We have tried to hold price increases to a minimum, while recognising that improvements come at a cost. The new main stand developments continue apace, we need the pitch, and we have to continue to invest in our first-teamsquadandouryouth players.”

In terms of the new main stand, Budge confirmed that, “after many delays on the part of our utility suppliers”, the new kiosks and firstfloor kitchen are now fully operational.

Hearts are still hopeful of opening the first supporters bar and coffee shop in the main stand along with a new shop and ticket office, but Budge warned: “I will not give actual dates as we know from experience that delays can happen. Suffice to say, the target dates are tight.”

The club also has plans to construct a permanent studio for TV games, as well as reducing the size of the control room, and repairing any damage to other stands caused by the recent snow in Edinburgh.

Summarising her briefing, Budge said: “We set out this year to grow our turnover and to break even in performance terms. I am pleased to say that we anticipate growing our turnover, once again, by approximately £1m.

“We also anticipate achieving a break-even position, which is no mean achievement, given the challenges we have faced in the last year.

“The Tynecastle Redevelopment Project has gone overbudget but we are managing this to ensure we do not overstretch ourselves.”

Finishing her statement, Budge added: “In business terms we are doing well, and I am confident that the future looks good.

“We are approximately two years away from becoming the largest fan-owned club in the UK.

“With your continued backing we will, together, make history.”