Daniel Stendel reveals why Hearts owner Ann Budge feels she is fighting alone

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel with owner Ann Budge.

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel today revealed that owner Ann Budge feels she is fighting a lone battle trying to save the club from relegation.

Talks between the pair in recent days have involved possible league reconstruction, with Budge engaged in a task force to explore a new set-up for the Scottish Professional Football League.

Hearts stand to be relegated to the Championship unless the Premiership is expanded, but they are almost certain to need an 11-1 vote in favour from top-flight clubs for that to happen.

Budge and the Hamilton vice-chair Les Gray are leading a 15-strong panel trying to develop reconstruction plans.

Last week’s controversial SPFL vote saw Partick Thistle and Stranraer relegated from the Championship and League One respectively, leaving Hearts’ immediate future still outstanding.

Speaking from his home in Germany, Stendel told the Evening News how Budge feels her efforts are aking to battling on her own.

"I spoke with Ann a few days ago and she said her feeling is that she is fighting a little bit alone against everybody,” said Stendel.

“If they finish the league and we are the only team in our situation, some other teams say, 'oh, it doesn't matter'.

"There is the side with the SPFL and the other side with the club, the players, the money and how it works for the future.

“It's not so easy at the moment. We are all waiting. Ann would like to have support but it's not so easy.

"In Scotland, you cannot do so much. To fly to Edinburgh at the moment is not easy. Then, when you are in Edinburgh, what can you do? You can call people but you can do this from anywhere.”

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