Hearts unveil new away kit sponsored by FoH

HEARTS have unveiled their away kit for the 2014/15 season, which will be sponsored by supporters’ movement Foundation of Hearts.

Kevin McHattie models the new FoH-sponsored Hearts away kit. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The new strip - light blue and white striped shirts, black shorts and white socks - will carry the Foundation of Hearts logo as a ‘thank you’ to the group for its efforts in keeping the club going during its administration period.

The agreement, which will last for one season, will help spread awareness of the Foundation as the club continues its drive towards fan ownership.

Hearts chairman Ann Budge told heartsfc.co.uk: “2014 is a hugely significant year for Heart of Midlothian Football Club.

“First and foremost, we remember the sacrifices of the brave young men who answered the call to join McCrae’s Battalion in the Great War and paid the ultimate price for their bravery. It is a fitting tribute to honour them with our 1914 commemorative strip.

“2014 also marks a turning point in the club’s history as we enter a new era of optimism and revival and it is appropriate that we recognise and celebrate the achievement and loyalty of our fans, whose contributions through the Foundation of Hearts have helped to save our club.

“We are saying an enormous ‘thank you’ by dedicating our away strip to the Foundation of Hearts.

“Taking the decision to dedicate our home and away strips was an easy one to make, given the importance of marking the past and looking with hope to the future.

“We felt that the options we have taken for 2014 are more in tune with the community which is the backbone of the club.”

She added that the club were exploring new sponsorship deals which would see them taking over shirt sponsorship in the future.

Foundation chairman Ian Murray added: “It is a tremendous gesture by the club to allow the Foundation of Hearts to be the official away kit shirt sponsor for next season.

“It is a real thank you to the people who support us and the club. Without them there would have been no next season.

“They can wear with pride their away kit that celebrates the future and the vision for a club owned by its fans.

“It also signifies a real step change from Hearts in terms of returning it to being a respected family club.

“Our supporters, who will ultimately own the club, deserve nothing less.”

The new strip is available to pre-order now, with the kit going on public sale from July 4.