Hearts bosses aiming for seven-figure funding from supporters

Tynecastle officials want to double the amount raised so far and reach seven figures as fans continue to rally in support of their club.

It was announced to a capacity home crowd prior to Saturday’s win over St Mirren that Hearts’ share issue, launched on October 27, had brought in more than half a million pounds in capital. Shares are available for supporters to buy until December 19 and the ultimate aim is to raise £1.79m to help the club bridge a shortfall in income through to the end of the season.

With the £500,000 figure surpassed, Hearts are now urging fans to help them reach the £1m target and continue buying up tickets for forthcoming home matches.

“The next milestone would be reaching £1m. That is something we need to target, I would suggest,” said manager John McGlynn. “We hope the fans can continue to rally round and buy tickets for the Celtic and Aberdeen games which are coming up to make sure they are sell-outs. We’d like all the games between now and the end of the season to be sold out, if that’s possible.

“The response in 12 days or so has been phenomenal. We need that to continue because we aren’t out of the woods. Raising £500,000 is an amazing amount of money in such a short period of time, but we’re looking to make a lot more than that to survive till the end of the season.

“The players are very humbled and very proud that so many fans turned up on Saturday. They’ve put their money where their mouths are and they’ve produced by filling the stadium and taking up £500,000 worth of shares. The fans have more than played their part and the players were very proud running onto the pitch against St Mirren.

“The players are backing the club – buying shares and taking a deferral on wages – and the fans are doing likewise. I think everyone realises the situation and we’re all trying to do our best.”