The announcement of the impending sale of Tynecastle Park does nothing but bring the extinction of Heart of Midlothian one step closer.
The board cite prudency as the reason behind the decision, but agreeing to the sale before having a new ground to move to merely indicates that it was the Bank's decision to take.
Once the debt is repaid, currently £19million and rising, the Hearts board suggests that the residue from the deal, possibly around £1.4 million will be enought o sustain them until a new ground is acquired.
The only alternative currently designed is the venue championed by Peter McGrail and Gary Mackay. his involves a retail park and school facilities incorporated into the stadium complex, which Hearts need only fund 40%. It is a very attractive proposition, but there are several hurdles still to be overcome, not least of whch is planning permission given that a "B" Listed building needs to be demolished for the plan to be given the green light. The council will require to wear maroon tinted glasses to tick the requisite boxes to allow this to happen.
An additional problem appeared at the same time as the sale was announced. JJB, the sports retail chain, are heavily involved in the planning for the retail park option, announced a profits warning to the Stock Market, and there must be some doubt regarding their continued enthusiasm for the venture.
A further question must be asked about the use of Murrayfield as the short term home for the club. Certainly there will be more potential for revenue from corporate hospitality, but equally there will be more potential for players to be injured on a playing surface churned up by Celtic League rugby on a wintry Friday night. How confident can a goalkeeper or centre half be of landing on a secure piece of turf after stretching for a high ball? The ground staff at the home of Scottish Rugby refuse to offer anything but a terse "No comment". If there is no problem, why not say so?
The Hearts statement also suggests that renting Murrayfield will cost £20,000 per match. If that is true,then Inverness Caley are being ripped off at Pittodrie, as they face a bill almost twice as much from Aberdeen.It is much more likley that Hearts have not included police and security costs in the quoted figure. If Hearts lodge at Murrayfield for two seasons, they will pay out around £1.5 million.Therefore players wages must be found from other means leaving litle if anything for investment in a new stadium.
For Hearts to survive, they will require copious amounts of good will from fans and councillors alike, and quickly.
thanks to Brian Murray for his contribution for this article.