10,000-plus Hearts fans respond to signings of 'hungry'players

Hearts officials believe recruiting players with genuine appetite for the club has been a pivotal factor in more than 10,000 Tynecastle season tickets being sold ahead of the forthcoming SPL campaign.

In a veiled slight at recently departed high earners — such as Larry Kingston and Christian Nade — the Edinburgh club cited the arrival of hungry younger players and the emergence of several academy graduates as the main attraction for supporters.

Darren Barr, Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott are new faces for this season, whilst Marian Kello's loan from FBK Kaunas has been made permanent.

Manager Jim Jefferies is also keen to add Adrian Mrowiec, Jonathan Toto and another midfielder to his squad.

Season ticket sales have already breached the 10,000 barrier for the sixth con- secutive season, again ensuring Hearts retain a larger core support than any other team in the country outwith the Old Firm.

A club spokesperson said: "We are very grateful for the great backing of the fans once again.

"The investment in new, quality players, who are keen to play for Heart of Mid- lothian Football Club, is naturally reflected in the recent rate of sales.

"Supporters also know they are going to be entertained by some of the best young players in the country.

"This will be the sixth consecutive season that more than 10,000 supporters have backed the team by buying a season ticket, and there is a real feeling of optimism about Tynecastle at the moment. This core support provides the basis of a matchday crowd that makes Tyne- castle such a unique and indeed imposing football arena."