Budge must sack Neilson then move on

BUDGE over. Neilson out.

It is the slogan that appeared on a huge banner in Edinburgh yesterday and was complemented by a sticker campaign across the city and a cry of despair from Hearts fans following their home defeat to Queen of the South. What’s more, it is absolutely, utterly justified.

Quite why Ann Budge (right) carried on plotting the ‘long-term strategy’ as Tynecastle chairman after the ignominy of last season and the refusal to get shot of Craig Levein as manager until the damage was beyond repair is anyone’s guess.

Probably because of Covid. Probably because of the agreed delay in handing over power to the Foundation of Hearts.

Probably because the Foundation of Hearts don’t seem willing or able to say a bad word about her reign, which, on a footballing level, has been a disaster.

She will always have a place in Hearts’ history. She saved them. But it is time for her to get on with the rest of her life.

Money keeps being poured in by fans to get the club back where it ought to be. And, yet, that money appears to be squandered window after window on thoroughly inadequate players. Every season involves a total rebuild and that lack of foresight stretches right to the top.

Neilson certainly boasts a spectacular collection of failures right now. And no more nonsense, please, about the squad being strong on paper if not on the park. They have lost to Alloa and Brora

Rangers in the cups.

Being well ahead in a weak Championship means little.

They’ve been awful.

Hearts fans wanted Neilson hounded out when they were riding high in the Premiership. There is no way they are going to alter that view now.

With the pressure surely set to become intolerable, removing Neilson from his position must be Budge’s last big call.