BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
CITY of Edinburgh Council officials will inspect the new main stand at Tynecastle Park for a third time on Friday morning as Hearts’ bid to host Sunday’s Premiership clash against Partick Thistle goes to the wire.
The Jambos are yet to receive a safety certificate for the new £14 million structure after an council visit on Monday – during which an SPFL representative was present – threw up several minor issues which must be rectified.
A second inspection took place on Wednesday and construction staff have undertaken nightshifts this week in a bid to make the fixes.
Hearts are praying it proves to be third time lucky when council safety officers return to Tynecastle this morning.
Should the visit go well, the club could be in a position to announce that the match will go ahead. Conversely, if it is apparent that the work will not be completed in time for the visit of Alan Archibald’s side, Budge is likely to contact the Glasgow club and the SPFL personally to formally request the match is postponed.
Hearts have been in constant dialogue with Thistle, with whom they enjoy a positive relationship, and the SPFL regarding the latest situation. The Gorgie outfit do not expect to receive any punishment from the league’s governing body for failing to fulfil the fixture.
The council have indicated willingness to make safety officers available on Saturday and Sunday to give workers as much time as possible fulfil their checklist, however Hearts are aware they must balance that with giving Thistle, and supporters of both clubs, ample notice if the game is to be postponed.
