American consortium completes shock deal to buy Kelty Hearts

Kelty Hearts has been bought over by an American consortium in a surprise deal that’s seen the new owners buy 80% of the SPFL club.

A group of businessmen led by former Swansea City shareholder Jordan Gardner has taken control at New Central Park and aims to build on the club’s rise in recent years.

Kelty Hearts were formed in 1975 as an amateur team but moved up through the Scottish football pyramid in the last decade and were promoted to the SPFL in 2021. The team is currently at the foot of the League 1 table.

The American consortium has set up a company named The Hearts Football Club LLC, which has now bought 80% of the shareholding, with the remainder owned by Kelty Hearts FC Members Ltd, a company incorporated by the outgoing board of directors.

Gardner has been installed as director, replacing George McTrusty, who will remain on the board.

Gardner said: “I’m very excited to partner with Kelty Hearts FC Members Ltd to build off the incredible success the club has had over the last ten years.

“It’s refreshing to see a club run in a sustainable and prudent manner, and that’s a credit to the outgoing board of directors, the committee, the volunteers, the staff at the club and the supporters.

“This is a proud community-based club with a passionate fanbase. I’m delighted to be here and look forward to working together to build a strong and sustainable future.”

McTrusty welcomed the investment and said that the new owners’ ambition would go hand in hand with a commitment to the club’s community roots.

“This is a hugely important moment for Kelty Hearts Football Club,” he said. “The agreement secures the club’s future and gives us the platform we need to plan with confidence for the years ahead.

“The investment allows us to strengthen every area of the club, from the first team to our infrastructure, academy and community work, while crucially protecting the values and identity that make Kelty Hearts what it is.

“Retaining a meaningful local shareholding was essential to us, and this partnership ensures the Club remains rooted in the community while benefiting from new ideas, ambition and long-term support.”