Relegated Hearts in last-ditch bid to restructure leagues

Relegated Hearts are to submit a member’s resolution for league reconstruction in a last-ditch bid to stay in the Scottish Premiership.

The Tynecastle side face the prospect of Championship football next season after the SPFL called the top-flight campaign on a points-per-game basis.

Hearts chair Ann Budge has previously indicated she will take legal action to challenge the decision.

However, Hearts now hope to avoid that process and stay in the top tier after “positive talks” with the SPFL and member clubs left the capital side hopeful of successfully revisiting the topic of league construction.

A statement read: “We have stated from the outset that we don’t believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was previously indicated that league reconstruction would not generate enough support to pass a vote between member clubs. In recent days a number of positive talks have been held with both the SPFL and member clubs and this topic is currently being revisited.

We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome.
Hearts

“Hearts will shortly submit a member’s resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind.

“It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging – financially and otherwise – any club.

“This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic.

“Players from across all leagues have shown a desire for reconstruction and having already received support from some clubs we are hopeful that this resolution can positively progress Scottish football.

“As previously intimated the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so.

“We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive.

However, the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations.

“To our supporters, we thank you for showing patience and continuing to back the club. We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome.”