Robertson says Hearts ‘reaping what they sowed’

HEARTS great John Robertson believes the Tynecastle fans will rescue the stricken capital club, but concedes the club are “reaping what they sow”.

BDO, who were named as the club’s administrators this week, have confirmed the club need to raise up to £750,000 to survive until the start of next season. They have asked Hearts fans to purchase an additional 3000 season tickets, which would take the overall tally to last season’s total of 10,0000, in order to bank £800,000.

Given that BDO have confirmed that every penny raised will be put towards the running of the club, Robertson feels Hearts fans will mobilise.

“Now they know there is a route to survival, and know what that route is, I am sure they will rally to the cause,” said the former Hearts manager. “It’s a case of ‘once more unto the breach’ for the Hearts fans, as they attempt to help the club again. We know exactly where the money is going, we had 10,000 season tickets sold last year and need another 3,000 season tickets to reach that. We now know the money is going straight to the club, to pay wages and run the club for the next four months. That will buy us time to find a buyer.”

Robertson says Hearts are suffering the consequences of their own mismanagement over many years. “Hearts are reaping what they sow and, you ask any Hearts fans, they will take it on the chin,” the 48-year-old told the BBC. “The transfer embargo, points deduction and whatever else. They all just want the club to survive.”