Foundation’s fulsome praise

Hearts chief-executive Andrew McKinlay insists the club’s fans do not get enough credit after donations from the Foundation of the Hearts soared through the £11million mark.

More than 7,000 fans still make monthly contributions to the Jambos through the fans’ group, which is expected to officially replace Ann Budge as the club’s new owner later this year.

More than 11,500 fans also snapped up season tickets last summer, despite the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19.

McKinlay joined Hearts last August, and admits he has been astounded by the backing from the fans.

He said: “In the wider sense, we still have 11,500 season ticket holders, and the vast majority of them have agreed that effectively all they’re going to get this season is the right to watch Hearts on TV.

“That’s a phenomenal number of people who are prepared to do that. They realise how important their money is to the club.

“To put into context the size of what the Foundation has done at the club, Dundee United have talked about how their fans have given them £60,000 to help them out, which I think is fantastic.

“Over the last period of time since the Foundation was set up, as of last month they have now contributed £11,264,000.

“Every month they give the club in excess of £100,000, and last summer for several months we were given £151,000 every month.

“I don’t think people appreciate the level of contribution that the fans have given to Hearts and continue to give to Hearts.

“It’s quite phenomenal, and I don’t think it’s matched by any other club, certainly in Scotland.”