BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Hearts will pay tribute to the supporters who helped them emerge from administration this Saturday when they wear their historic third kit for the first time.
The one-off jersey is emblazoned with the names of more than 8000 fans who pledged to the Foundation of Hearts (FoH), ensuring the club were able to stave off extinction in 2013 despite debts totalling £28 million.
Edinburgh businesswoman Ann Budge ultimately purchased the capital club for £2.5 million, but FoH is on course to take control of the club by 2019.
The kit was officially released on November 19 and will be given its first airing this weekend when the Jambos travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell.
Budge said: “This has been another real team effort between the club and the Foundation of Hearts and we can’t wait to see the team run out against Motherwell in the shirt.”
Hearts legends John Robertson, Donald Ford and Rudi Skacel, current director of football Craig Levein, Scottish athlete Eilidh Child and Budge herself are among those who have their names on the top.
Foundation of Hearts chairman Brian Cormack added: “This is an immensely proud and emotional moment for everyone associated with the Foundation of Hearts, and we are absolutely delighted to see this project come to fruition.”
