Hearts: Gary Locke welcomes Ann Budge to club

Hearts’ new owner and chairman-elect Ann Budge has made an instant positive impact at Tynecastle, according to the manager of the beleaguered club which she intends to take out of administration in the next few weeks and months.

Ann Budges business experience is considerable. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Speaking after yesterday’s hard-fought draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, manager Gary Locke said: “I met Ann Budge a while ago, and she has met quite a few members of staff. There is still a long way to go, and [administrator] Bryan Jackson is saying as much, but it is great that we are going to have a new owner and she is going to take the club forward in the right direction, which is fantastic for everybody.”

Locke dismissed reports that his own position could be under threat as “pure speculation,” adding: “The great thing for me and for everyone involved with Hearts is that the new owner is probably the first bit of good news that we have had for a long, long time.

“There are still things to be settled in Lithuania, but getting a new owner who is going to take the club forward in the right direction is fantastic for everyone associated with Heart of Midlothian.”

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• [http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/hearts-ann-budge-to-set-path-for-club-1-3307228|Hearts: Ann Budge to set path for club|Link to article}