Ann Budge will have to go to court to save Hearts

Reconstruction plan doomed, says lower league source
Hearts owner Ann Budge has submitted reconstruction proposals. Picture: Bill Murray/SNSHearts owner Ann Budge has submitted reconstruction proposals. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS
Hearts owner Ann Budge has submitted reconstruction proposals. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

One lower league club official has said it is “100 per cent guaranteed” Budge will be forced to take the matter of Hearts’ relegation from the Premiership to court, with her league plan unlikely to gain the support required.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster has asked for views on the temporary 14-14-14 structure as set out in Budge’s paper to be sent to him by midday. Budge’s dossier was sent out to clubs just under a fortnight ago.

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Doncaster has pointed out that, with Budge having since stressed her focus is on a 14-club Premiership, the onus is on clubs in the divisions below to agree a revised lower league format – and schedule – which suits the majority.

It is understood a truncated Championship season consisting of 27 games – with Hearts at present included – is slated to start on 17 October, initially behind closed doors.

Doncaster will circulate feedback among clubs once he has received the submissions of all those who choose to offer an